Keela celebrates 45 years of performance, responsibility and practical design

This year marks 45 years since Keela began manufacturing performance clothing in the UK. From our earliest products to today’s advanced technical garments, the focus has remained the same: developing reliable, functional kit that helps professionals do their jobs in demanding conditions.

We supply clothing to emergency services, the armed forces, rescue organisations and healthcare providers – sectors where reliable performance is essential and garments need to perform reliably in demanding and unpredictable environments. That understanding informs every part of our design and production process, from fabric development to garment repairs.

Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation

Over the past four decades, we’ve grown into a trusted supplier for organisations across the UK and beyond. Our products are developed with direct input from frontline teams, which means features, fit, and performance are all informed by real operational use – not just lab testing.

One example is our Munro jacket, which has been a core part of the Keela range for many years and remains a trusted choice for professionals working in challenging, often severe weather conditions. It features our award-winning System Dual Protection (SDP) technology – a two-layer system specifically engineered to manage internal condensation while keeping external moisture out. Unlike traditional waterproof membranes that can trap sweat during periods of high exertion, SDP enhances breathability in cold and wet conditions, helping to keep the wearer dry and comfortable.

SDP works by combining two functional layers. The outer layer is waterproof and windproof, constructed with a hydrophilic membrane that blocks rain and wind penetration. The inner layer is a high-wicking fabric backed with its own hydrophilic membrane. This layer rapidly draws moisture away from the body and into the air gap between the two layers. That air gap not only allows moisture to escape efficiently, but also adds thermal insulation, helping to maintain a dry microclimate close to the skin and reducing the risk of post-exertion chilling.

In recognition of this innovative system, Keela was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation – one of the UK’s most respected honours, recognising outstanding achievement in innovation, international trade and sustainable development.

Reliable supply chain

In an increasingly unpredictable supply landscape, our approach to manufacturing remains consistent. We maintain control over key aspects of our supply chain, which supports both quality assurance and delivery reliability. Providing a significant advantage for customers with critical operational timelines and tight procurement frameworks.

We also understand the wider pressures facing procurement teams, from cost constraints to regulatory requirements, and aim to deliver both technically sound products and practical support across the full life of a garment.

In 2022, our UK manufacturing facility was approved as a Supported Business, which means more than 30% of our workforce is made up of individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or those living with disabilities. By integrating inclusive employment into our production process, we’re able to offer meaningful, skilled work while delivering high-quality garments. Every garment we produce reflects not only technical performance but a commitment to creating accessible opportunities within UK manufacturing.

Responsible manufacturing

Alongside product performance, long-term reliability and environmental responsibility are key priorities in our approach to garment development. Durability begins at the design stage, but we also focus on what happens after a garment enters service. Our Clothing Hospital plays a central role in this, offering a dedicated repair service for Keela garments. From replacing zips to restoring damaged fabric, these repairs extend the usable life of technical kit, reduce waste, and ensure better long-term value for organisations operating in demanding environments.

The Clothing Hospital is a key element of our broader Legacy Project – a long-term initiative aimed at reducing environmental impact through responsible design, repair, reuse, and end-of-life solutions. This includes the use of recycled materials where possible, ongoing development of circular production models, and future take-back and repurposing schemes. Through the Legacy Project, we’re working to ensure our products remain fit for purpose while supporting sustainable procurement strategies across frontline services.

Keela’s success over the last 45 years has been built on working closely with professionals, understanding their needs, and delivering clothing that meets those needs consistently. That work continues – as does our commitment to innovation, supply chain resilience, and sustainability.

To learn more about our fabric technology, repair services or clothing solutions for emergency services, visit us at The Emergency Services Show or contact our team directly at enquiries@keela.co.uk.

The industry will once again be gathering at the NEC, Birmingham for The Emergency Services Show, co-located with The Emergency Tech Show, on 17-18 September, check out the full exhibitor list here. You can find Keela in Hall 5, Stand K183.