Amerex makes outerwear for men, women, and children. Founded in 1946, it has licensing agreements with brands such as Jones New York, London Fog, OshKosh, Mudd, and Wrangler. Amerex also produces outerwear under its own labels (1 Madison, Weather Tamer), sportswear (Adolfo), and swimwear (Isababies, Bombshell). Its products are sold in major department stores and specialty retailers throughout the US and Canada. Chairman and President Ira Ganger bought out retiring partner Fred Shvetz in 2006.

Hartmann, established in 1877 and one of the oldest makers of premium luggage, manufactures upscale brief cases, wheeled luggage, wallets, garment bags, personal leather goods, and other accessories. The company's products are distributed and sold through high-end department stores and luggage shops in the US and internationally. It offers US customers custom luggage design through its DesignTime service. In May 2007 spirits distributor Brown-Forman sent Hartmann packing by selling the luggage firm to middle-market, private equity firm Clarion Capital Partners.

Signet Armorlite, Inc. company, a maker of plastic ophthalmic lenses for more than 60 years, originated the plastic eyeglass lens in North America. It makes premium plastic lenses in Mexico while glass lenses and molds are made by its Crossbows Optical unit, located in Northern Ireland. It operates a lens technology center, Signetek, in California. Signet holds the exclusive rights to distribute Kodak lenses worldwide and is an authorized distributor of 3M adhesive optical supply items in the US. Signet distributes lab supplies, such as blocking pads and lens protectors. Ophthalmic products maker and supplier Essilor International agreed to buy Signet.

Bienestar International wants consumers to think about the well-being of the people who work for its manufacturers. Bienestar and its No Sweat Apparel brand broke into the market by emphasizing fair labor practices -- outsourcing its manufacturing to union shops that pay living wages and offer benefits to workers. The company offers plain and screen-printed T-shirts, hoodies, accessories, and shoes for men, women, and children. Products are retailed through Bienestar's e-commerce site and more than 150 specialty stores in the US, Canada, and Europe. It also wholesales its merchandise to schools, churches, and other groups. CEO Adam Neiman and his wife, VP Natalia Muina, each own about 40% of the firm.

Hydron Technologies, Inc. company was founded in 1948 and is based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hydron Technologies, Inc. engages in the manufacture and sale of consumer and professional products, primarily in the personal care/cosmetics field, in the United States. It develops various consumer products using Hydron polymers, including skincare, hair care, bath and body, dental, and sun care lines. The company also offers evaporating emulsifier technology for use in cosmetic treatments and acne products. In addition, Hydron Technologies owns the United States and international patents on a method to infuse oxygen into the skin and tissue topically without using the blood stream. Further, it operates as a contract manufacturer of cosmeceutical and other personal care products. Hydron Technologies markets its products through catalog and Web site.

Cosmolane is a Canadian distributor of quality skin care and cosmetic brands. It was established in 1998 as the distributor for Orlane, Paris. It has since added several quality brands (Ahava, Sampar, Kelemata, Ainhoa, M Asam, Alpure, Mama Mio, Guest Men, and Task) to its portfolio as the company moves forward with its innovative “Science & Nature” program. Maud Julier – founder and President with more than 30 years in the beauty industry, has extensive international experience including England, Middle East, Far East, Australia, Pacific Islands and Japan. Her diversified experience brings a unique perspective and understanding to the multicultural Canadian market.The Cosmolane head office is located in Toronto, in close proximity to most major retailer head offices. It is supported by a third party state of the art logistical service that is a fully secured, air conditioned and regulated environment. Cosmolane has delivered steady growth and success to its brand partners. Its diversified and well rounded portfolio of prestige quality brands has been carefully chosen to minimize duplication of market positioning allowing each to thrive while providing synergies to the corporation.

Buckeye Technologies Inc. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Buckeye Technologies Inc. manufactures and distributes cellulose-based specialty products made from wood and cotton worldwide. Buckeye Technologies products include chemical cellulose, customized fibers, fluff pulp, and nonwoven materials. Its chemical cellulose is used in the manufacture of various products, including food casings, cigarette filters, rayon filaments, acetate fibers, and thickeners for consumer products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Buckeye Technologies ustomized fibers are used to provide porosity, color permanence, and tear resistance in filters, letterheads, currency papers, and personal stationery, as well as absorbency and softness in cotton balls and cotton swabs. Its fluff pulp and nonwoven materials are used to increase absorbency and fluid transport in products, such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult incontinence products, as well as used to enhance fluid management and strength in wipes, tabletop items, food pads, household wipes, and mops.

Pookie Products was founded in 2001 by two New York University sorority sisters. Combine cosmetics and terms of endearment, and you get Pookie Products. The firm makes and markets lip balms using beeswax, shea butter, and natural oils such as avocado, apricot kernel, sweet almond, and coconut. Balms include its champagne-flavored I Do lip balm, It's a Boy! and It's a Girl! mini-tins, mint and vanilla Apookalips, as well as private labeling balms for wedding parties, bridal showers, and other special occasions. The company's products, which have expanded to include bath and body products and apparel, are available in specialty retailers (like Anthropologie) and through its online store.

Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&CO.) strives to provide the world's casual workday wardrobe, inside and out. LS&CO., a top manufacturer of brand-name clothing globally, sells jeans and sportswear under the Levi's, Dockers, and Levi Strauss Signature names in more than 110 countries. It also markets men's and women's underwear and loungewear. Levi's jeans -- department store staples -- were once the uniform of American youth, but LS&CO. has been working to reconnect with the niche and expand outside the US. It has transformed its products portfolio to include wrinkle-free and stain-resistant fabrics used in making some of its Levi's and Dockers slacks. The Haas family (relatives of founder Levi Strauss) owns LS&CO.

Founded in 1974, Gianfranco Ferré SpA in 2002 became a subsidiary of IT Holding, which went into administration in February 2009 alongside its Ittierre unit. Gianfranco Ferré is into what's in -- the fashion house designs men's and women's clothing and accessories, some of which used to be produced and distributed by Italian apparel and textile maker Marzotto, but the agreements have expired. Gianfranco Ferré also operates about 40 boutiques for men and women in Italy and 15 other countries. In an effort to extend its reach to new customers, the company has been renaming and reshuffling some of its labels, and uses the name Ferré (dropping the Gianfranco) on storefronts.

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