From North Ways to Nine Worths: The Evolution of an Iconic Brand

The History of North Ways: The Alliance of Fashion and Workplace Safety

Since its modest beginnings in 1993, the North Ways® brand has carved its own path in the clothing and work shoes market. It has succeeded in standing out thanks to a well-defined identity, focused on the alliance between style, comfort and protection for workers. Discover the fascinating history of this company that has managed to push the boundaries of the traditional universe of workwear.

A Modest Beginning

The story of North Ways begins with France Textile Production, a company that initially produced hats and military uniforms in Caussade, north of Toulouse, France. Over time, this company transformed into a workwear wholesaler, offering essential products for worker protection.

In 2007, a decisive turning point occurred when the company was acquired by Gilles Eftymiades. Following this acquisition, the company moved to Aussonne in 2008, then to Colomiers, near Toulouse, in 2014. At that time, the workwear market was still very traditional, but professionals' aspirations for clothing combining protection, comfort and aesthetics were beginning to emerge.

The Birth of North Ways

In 2009, Gilles Eftymiades created the North Ways® brand with a clear vision in mind: establishing a strong brand identity while offering quality services. With his experience in textile distribution, he understood the expectations of retail outlets in terms of responsiveness, product availability and merchandising support.

Since its creation, North Ways has emphasized strong values. The brand has adopted a modern and assertive style, combining functionality and style. This approach has been supported by a passionate team that shared the same vision. In 2018, Gilles Eftymiades even offered certain key team members the opportunity to become shareholders, thus strengthening their commitment to the brand.

Innovation and Style at the Heart of North Ways

Under the impetus of its team, North Ways didn't hesitate to be a pioneer in the market to differentiate itself. It was among the first to design trendy products, taking into account seasonality and different male and female body types. While offering optimal quality, North Ways managed to maintain accessible prices to meet professionals' expectations.

The design studio plays a key role in North Ways' DNA. It is composed of creatives who design, develop, test and control workwear and safety shoes. Their objective: to create products that meet users' needs while staying at the forefront of current trends.

Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

North Ways doesn't just offer quality and trendy products. The company is also committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). At every stage of its products' lifecycle, North Ways ensures that each stakeholder meets strict commitments.

The company favors sustainable materials, such as Modal, recycled polyester and GOTS cotton, when possible. Part of its products even meets the Oeko Tex® Standard 100 label, guaranteeing fabric quality and the absence of harmful substances.

North Ways is also committed to respecting human rights and the UN's sustainable development goals. It prohibits its suppliers from using child labor under 15 years of age and promotes the personal and professional development of its employees.

The North Ways Promise

By wearing North Ways® clothing, contemporary craftspeople can be demanding in their work while remaining stylish and safe. The brand's collections are designed to be worn at work as well as in the city, offering complete protection against occupational hazards and weather conditions.

Founded on the combination of comfort, quality, safety and style, North Ways has conquered its place in the French workwear market. It has become a credible alternative to high-end brands and basic products. The North Ways® brand embodies the promise of combining the best of fashion and workplace safety, for demanding professionals.

Evolution from North Ways to Nine Worths: A New Chapter in the Protective Equipment Brand

The transformation of North Ways into Nine Worths marks an important milestone in the history of this personal protective equipment (PPE) company.

Nine Worths: From Strategic Reflection to Confirmation by Stakeholders

From North to Nine: On September 1st, the well-known name North Ways gave way to Nine Worths, which literally means "nine values". However, the iconic N and W initials from the original logo have been retained.

Rebranding Reflection: This transition is the result of strategic thinking conducted by France Textile Production, North Ways' parent company, which began three years ago. The objective was to better respond to the constant technological and regulatory changes in the PPE market.

Confirmation by Stakeholders: A study conducted among North Ways' partner distributors and end users confirmed the relevance of this change. The company, originally from Toulouse and about to celebrate its thirtieth anniversary in October 2023, wanted to consolidate its brand image and better reflect its future aspirations.

Nine Worths: Evolution Towards Nine Core Values and a Sustainable Future in PPE

Nine Core Values: Nine Worths embodies the brand's identity by highlighting nine essential values, such as respect, honesty, responsibility, empathy, generosity, sharing, gratitude, tolerance and self-discipline. These values define the brand's character and guide its commitment.

A Smooth Transition: Although the name has changed, the brand's iconic logo has remained unchanged. It is considered closely linked to Nine Worths' identity and continues to represent the company authentically.

Commitment to Sustainability: In March 2023, Nine Worths obtained EcoVadis silver certification, which demonstrates its commitment to social and environmental responsibility.

The Future of PPE: Nine Worths is determined to stay at the forefront of innovation and continue providing quality personal protective equipment while embodying its nine core values.

In summary, this evolution from North Ways to Nine Worths reflects the company's commitment to innovation, sustainability and quality in the field of PPE, while remaining true to its core values.