About National Safety Apparel
About National Safety Apparel
National Safety Apparel (NSA) traces back to 1935, when founder Wally Grossman began designing heat-resistant personal protective equipment for welders and steelworkers in his Cleveland home. Flame-resistant garments were the foundation of that original business, and NSA remains one of the best-known makers of FR and arc-rated clothing nearly nine decades later.
The company has grown into a fourth-generation, family-owned manufacturer that still produces in the USA, expanding over the decades through roughly 20 transactions aimed at scaling its manufacturing capacity and customer reach, including its acquisition of NASCO Industries. NSA's product range now spans FR coveralls and jackets, arc flash suits and kits, and protective clothing built to specific hazard and incident-energy ratings.
In 2024, private equity firm Blue Point Capital Partners acquired NSA, continuing the company's history of expanding capacity while keeping manufacturing rooted in the US. ChatMRO's catalogue covers NSA's FR clothing and arc flash PPE by hazard category and garment type so safety managers can match protective gear to the specific electrical or thermal risk their crews face.
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Frequently asked questions
Who founded National Safety Apparel and when?
Wally Grossman founded the company in 1935, originally designing heat-resistant PPE for welders and steelworkers from his Cleveland home. Flame-resistant clothing was the foundation of the business and remains central to its product line today.
What's the difference between FR clothing and arc flash PPE at NSA?
Flame-resistant (FR) clothing is designed to resist ignition and self-extinguish, protecting against general thermal hazards like welding sparks. Arc flash PPE is rated to specific incident-energy categories to protect against the intense heat and pressure of an electrical arc event.
Is National Safety Apparel still family-owned?
Yes, NSA is a fourth-generation, family-owned business that continues to manufacture in the USA despite changes in outside investment. Blue Point Capital Partners acquired the company in 2024, but it has maintained its US manufacturing focus.
What is NSA's connection to NASCO Industries?
NSA acquired NASCO Industries as part of a broader strategy of roughly 20 transactions aimed at scaling its manufacturing capabilities and customer base. This expanded NSA's reach within the protective clothing and safety apparel market.
Does National Safety Apparel make gear for military use?
Yes, alongside its industrial FR and arc flash lines, NSA manufactures safety clothing and gear for the armed forces. The company's long manufacturing history supports both commercial and military protective apparel needs.