WASHINGTON DC, --Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07)  was joined by Senior Procurement executives from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in Philadelphia, PA to tour and meet with representatives of the American Apparel at their factory headquarters  in Selma, Alabama.  Upon invitation of Rep. Sewell, executives of DLA came to Selma to discuss military procurement opportunities  with officials at American Apparel .  DLA was represented by Nancy Heimbaugh, DLA  senior procurement executive, Bill Kenny, chief acquisition executive for DLA  troop support and Steve Merch, DLA troop support clothing and textiles.

“Today I  was pleased to welcome the Defense Logistics Agency to the American Apparel factory in Selma,” said Rep. Sewell. “This was a unique opportunity to showcase American Apparel and the hardworking individuals of 7th Congressional District as shining examples of what businesses can do with the resources and opportunities provided to this district.”

American Apparel, Inc. headquartered in Selma, Alabama, is an industry leader in manufacturing combat and utility uniforms for the Department of Defense.  Since 1987, American Apparel has provided stellar performance to US armed forces in quality and delivery, while at the same time, being highly automated and efficient. American Apparel operates four separate manufacturing facilities located throughout the state of Alabama: Selma, Centre, Oneonta and Opp.  Employing over 1,000 employees and maintaining almost 600,000 square feet of capacity, American Apparel is ready to meet the challenges of the American military service.

“American Apparel is not only a valued employer in the district, but also a key partner with DLA in helping ensure that our military combat units are prepared and equipped with essential life saving combat uniforms,” added Rep. Sewell. “During our visit we were able to establish and engage in a meaningful dialogue about the procurement process and industry needs and concerns.  I applaud American Apparel and the Defense Logistics Agency for their commitment to maintaining and strengthening this essential partnership between businesses and the federal government.”

"We very much appreciate Congresswoman Sewell hosting a meeting with senior Defense Department officials today to discuss future opportunities for American Apparel,” said Jim Hodo, President of American Apparel. “The Congresswoman is a great friend to American Apparel and to our men and women of the armed services.”

Nancy Heimbaugh, Senior Procurement Executive with Defense Logistics Agency commented: “Thank you for the opportunity to visit your operations in Selma.  American Apparel is an important member of the Defense industrial base and I was happy to meet with the workers, tour the facility, and discuss how DLA does business. DLA believes it's important to stay in touch with the industrial base and some of the ways we do this is by visiting our business partners on a regular basis,” said Heimbaugh.

As a Department of Defense combat support agency, DLA provides the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, other federal agencies, and joint and allied forces with a variety of logistics, acquisition and technical services. The agency sources and provides nearly 100 percent of the consumable items America’s military forces need to operate, from food, fuel and energy, to uniforms, medical supplies, and construction and barrier equipment. DLA also supplies more than 80 percent of the military’s spare parts. Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, VA., DLA has about 27,000 employees worldwide and supports about 1,900 weapon systems.

“It is my hope that this dialogue with American Apparel and DLA will continue.  Its ongoing conversations that will allow us to best meet the changing needs of our military combat forces, while continuing to support businesses and industries that are vital to preserving our military uniform industrial base,” said Rep. Sewell.

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