A significant shift in the uniform services industry has arrived as Aramark Uniform Services (AUS), a division of Aramark (NYSE: ARMK), officially announced its rebranding to Vestis. This transformation marks a pivotal moment as Vestis emerges as an independent, publicly traded entity following its spin-off from Aramark. The news, released on September 5, 2023, signals a new chapter for the company, focusing exclusively on uniform and workplace supplies.
This strategic move allows Vestis to sharpen its focus on its core competencies within the uniform services sector, while Aramark can further concentrate on its food and facilities management businesses. The rebranding to Vestis is more than just a name change; it represents a renewed commitment to providing comprehensive uniform rental programs and workplace supply solutions to businesses across North America.
Vestis: Rooted in Garments, Focused on Service
The name “Vestis” itself is derived from Latin, meaning garments and clothing. This etymological connection directly reflects the company’s core business. Furthermore, “Vestis” resonates with the phrase “vestis virum facit,” meaning “clothes make the person,” highlighting the crucial role uniforms play in professional identity and performance.
Kim Scott, President and CEO of Aramark Uniform Services and the appointed CEO of Vestis, emphasized this connection, stating, “Our new name, Vestis, connects us to our purpose as an organization – deliver uniforms and supplies that empower people to do good work and good things for others while at work.” This statement underscores Vestis’s dedication to providing services and products that enhance employee confidence, comfort, and safety.
Vestis will operate with the descriptor “Uniforms and Workplace Supplies,” clearly defining the breadth of its offerings. These services extend beyond basic uniforms to include full-service rental programs, floor mats, towels, linens, managed restroom services, cleanroom supplies, and first aid provisions. Upon separation from Aramark, Vestis will boast a team of approximately 20,000 employees, serving around 300,000 customer locations, demonstrating its substantial market presence and operational scale.
Strategic Spin-off: A Milestone for Aramark and Vestis
John Zillmer, Aramark’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the strategic importance of this spin-off: “This announcement is a milestone moment for Aramark and our uniforms business. We are on the path to creating two independent industry leaders able to focus solely on their core strengths and expertise.” He expressed confidence in the Vestis leadership team and their vision for the future, anticipating continued success for the newly independent company.
The spin-off is designed to allow both Aramark and Vestis to operate with greater agility and focus within their respective markets. For Vestis, this independence allows for dedicated investment and strategic initiatives tailored specifically to the uniform and workplace supplies industry.
A Bold New Brand Identity
Accompanying the name announcement is the unveiling of Vestis’s new company logo. The logo features a dynamic combination of orange and navy blue, intended to convey both warmth and energy alongside reliability and experience. The design subtly incorporates the shape of a shirt collar, which also visually represents the letter “V” for Vestis. This new brand identity will be progressively implemented across the company’s operations following the completion of the spin-off transaction.
Analyst Day and Future Strategy
Vestis is set to provide further insights into its strategic framework and future plans at its Analyst Day on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023. This event, webcast live from 9:00 am ET on the Aramark Investor Relations website, will offer stakeholders a deeper understanding of Vestis’s vision for value creation as a standalone company.
About Vestis and Aramark: Independent Leaders
Vestis, currently operating as Aramark Uniform Services, is poised to become a leader in the B2B uniform and workplace supplies sector. The company is committed to delivering clean and safe uniform services and a comprehensive range of workplace supplies to a diverse clientele across North America, from Fortune 500 corporations to local businesses.
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) remains a global leader in food, facilities, and uniform services, serving a wide array of clients across 19 countries. The company is recognized for its service-oriented culture and commitment to excellence across various sectors, including education, healthcare, sports, and business.
The transition of Aramark Uniform Services to Vestis marks an exciting development in the industry. As Vestis steps into its role as an independent, publicly traded company, it is well-positioned to continue providing essential uniform and workplace solutions while forging its own path for growth and innovation.
