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Company History

MidWest Quality Gloves, Inc. had its beginning in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the mid-1930s. In 1962, the Milwaukee-based glove manufacturer was purchased by Chillicothe, MO businessman Joe Lambert. Lambert relocated operations to Chillicothe and production officially began in Chillicothe in January 1963 with 26 operators.

By the 1970s, Chillicothe, MO became known as the Glove Manufacturing Capital of the World. Three factories were all located in this small Missouri town. MidWest Gloves & Gear remains the only glove factory still operating there. In November 1984, the company was reorganized, and its name changed to MidWest Quality Gloves, Inc. MidWest Quality Gloves strives to manufacture and distribute products that exceed consumers’ expectations for comfort, durability, and hand and body protection at a value price. Our commitment to customer service sets us apart from any other glove and accessory producer. MidWest is the recognized leader in innovative packaging and merchandising in the glove and gear business.

Along with a full line of leather work products, MidWest’s product lines include garden gloves and gear, MAX performance™ work gloves, Paramount®, Hasbro®, Warner Brothers® kids products, and more. Along with the main distribution plant in Chillicothe, MidWest also operates locations in Canada.

MidWest Gloves & Gear has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in product to countless charities and relief efforts over the years. Specifically, the company has donated product to relief workers after the 9/11 tragedy, and has partnered with Feed the Children to provide product relief goods following record-setting hurricanes, the Tsunami in Southeast Asia, and the devastating tornado that struck Joplin, Mo. MidWest doesn’t limit its good citizenship only to times of disaster but continually gives to Relay for Life, Hope Haven Industries, Inc., of Chillicothe, City Union Mission, and Catholic Charities of Kansas City. MidWest Gloves & Gear has donated over a half of a million dollars to the American Cancer Society, Canadian Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

MidWest Gloves & Gear – Not Just a Glove Company.