June 10, 2004
Creating unique “identifying garments” is the idea behind a community-based corporation designed to personalize any business. EBIK Id Solutions is a Canadian manufacturer and supplier of garment and liner personalization products. Located in Vankleek Hill, in Eastern Ontario, the company was established in 1984 by Webb Herne. Its goal is to provide quality products at competitive prices to all businesses. Growing at an astonishing rate, EBIK has become one of North America’s largest emblem suppliers, thanks to the dedication of President David Black and Chair Webb Herne.
“I think that the company is continuously improving and looking for ways to better serve its client base,” says Black. “We have a close affinity with our customers and truly treat each one of them with care.”
The company’s modest beginnings started in 1984 with only a few employees in a 500-square-foot space and it has grown to what it is today -- a 14,000-square-foot facility, enough for 42 employees. It is one of the largest emblem suppliers to large and small businesses in Canada. Although the company appears to be expanding vastly, it still caters to all businesses from highly recognized companies to small independent businesses.
The company puts a twist on the plain and creates something more unique and personal. It provides embroidered emblems, crests and badges to industrial rental laundries, uniform services and much more. The goal is to maintain professionalism while simultaneously creating an image that best represents organizations and sets them apart from others.
EBIK prides itself in the quality of embroidery in each emblem. The company uses 100 % polyester materials and threads with an industrial grade, high melt film coating. This ensures the strength and quality of the seal. They put a personal touch to pricing products, by not using a set pricing list. Prices are based fairly on the stitch count and complexity of each emblem design. Their customer base is growing and includes scouts and guides, hospitals and nursing homes, police and EMS services, as well as recreational/sportswear manufacturers. They provide everything from staff uniforms and team uniforms to promotional items such as pens and mugs.
What distinguishes this company is that it deals with customers on a personal basis. “We know what they want, what makes them tick and how to deal with each of their needs on an individual basis,” says Black. “With this mindset at hand, the company has the power to slowly grow.” In its effort to stay current, EBIK has taken on several new initiatives. The company has recently released a new “Solutions” catalogue, showcasing its artwork and projects. The catalogue goes out to most of its customer base. They have plans to make it the most comprehensive embroidery and emblem literature in the market to date. Their website is also an interactive and concise marketing piece to prospective new consumers. However, there are bigger plans in mind to reformat the web site by including such features as material colour charts and literature from PDF downloads.
Webb Herne and David Black are nominated for the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award by the CFDC, Community Futures Development Corporation, which helps new businesses in Ontario launch or expand. CFDC does this by supporting businesses and investing in them financially.