Keltek Safety Apparel Inc - Canada

Keltek Safety Apparel Inc., a proud Canadian woman-owned business based in Morden, Manitoba in the centre of North America boasts over four decades of experience in the safety apparel industry. Recent collaboration with customers, suppliers and FR PPE Safety experts has further strengthened our ability to provide top-quality safety gear, manufactured with excellence right here in North America.

Our experience in manufacturing allows us to be able to respond to your needs for specialty or customized garments promptly. No compromises are made during the development, design and production of our garments. We use only the highest quality CGSB & NFPA FR compliant components available.

Our garments are constructed to meet or exceed current industry standards such as CGSB 155.20 & .22, NFPA 2112, ASTM 1506-98, CSA-Z96 and CSA Z462.

Keltek Safety Apparel Inc. traces its roots back to 1968 when the Filz family founded Neepawa Sportswear in Neepawa, Manitoba. The company’s success led to a move to Winnipeg in 1970 and a name change to Kelsey Sportswear. In 1999, Kelsey’s expanded its operations with the acquisition of a sewing factory in Morden, Manitoba, establishing Kelsey’s of Morden.

The early 2000s brought challenges as tariffs were removed on foreign-made garments entering Canada. Recognizing a growing need for high-quality safety apparel, Kelsey’s Sportswear pivoted its production in 2003, marking the birth of Keltek Safety Apparel.

Meanwhile, in 2016, the Morden factory embarked on a new journey under the ownership of Ron Funk and Cheryl Digby, who formed Deasil Custom Sewing Inc. Deasil’s talented sewers initially crafted luxury parkas before demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to quality by shifting to masks and medical gowns during the pandemic.

In 2023, Kelsey Sportswear closed their Winnipeg operations and sold the assets of Keltek Safety Apparel to Deasil Custom Sewing. This strategic move united two companies with a shared passion for craftsmanship and dedication to safety. Keltek Safety Apparel Inc. now operates as a certified Women-Owned Business under the Women’s Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE), with Cheryl Digby as the majority shareholder.

This new chapter marks an exciting evolution for Keltek, blending a legacy of quality and experience with a renewed commitment to innovation, diversity, and community.