By Robina Hapo
For 31 years, a locally owned company has quietly reshaped Papua New Guinea’s uniform and safety wear industry, growing from a small embroidery shop into the country’s largest and most advanced one-stop production facility. Formerly known as PNG Embroidery, the company now operates as Pacific Safety Wear Limited—a name that better reflects its broad range of services, international reach, and national ambitions.
What began as a humble two-machine embroidery operation in 1994 has evolved into a fully integrated manufacturing hub, supplying uniforms, safety gear, merchandising, corporate wear, and specialized apparel for nearly every sector in PNG. Its client base spans mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, aviation, hospitality, palm oil, shipping, construction, security, defence, police, and education—including graduation gowns for major institutions like UPNG. During PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations, the company supplied nearly half of the nationwide traditional-themed uniforms, proudly integrating local cultural designs into its production.
A One-Stop Industrial Powerhouse Built on Technology and Quality
Pacific Safety Wear operates with the latest global standards, using state-of-the-art embroidery and printing machinery and highly skilled professionals from around the world, who work alongside and mentor young Papua New Guinean talent. This commitment to innovation helped the company achieve a historic milestone, becoming the first and only ISO 9001-certified uniform supplier in Papua New Guinea.
Despite a competitive environment, the company credits its longevity to two non-negotiable principles: uncompromised quality and exceptional customer service.
“We never compromise on quality, and we never compromise on service,” CEO Dr. Mohamed Fazul Jiffry explains. “That is our secret. Many of our customers have stayed with us from day one because they trust our consistency and professionalism.”
Why the Name Change? A Brand Ready for Global Markets
While PNG Embroidery remains an iconic brand under the company, the former name no longer reflected the wide scope of services offered. As the company expanded into safety wear, merchandising, corporate apparel, and large-scale manufacturing, a broader identity was needed.
“Pacific Safety Wear gives international meaning to what we do,” Dr. Mohamed Fazul Jiffry said. “It represents uniforms, safety, corporate wear—everything. We are still PNG Embroidery as a brand, but our company needed a name that matched our growth.”
Today, their products not only serve PNG but also reach as far as Australia and the UAE, with plans for further regional expansion.
Localization at the Heart of the Business
One of Pacific Safety Wear’s strongest pillars is its localization program, designed to uplift communities, empower women, support vocational institutions, and reduce reliance on imported uniforms.
Women’s Empowerment: Building Families, Not Just Careers
“The company intentionally employs more women, particularly middle-aged to elderly women. This group often struggles to find stable employment and is frequently marginalized,” says Mohamed Fazul Jiffry. “By giving them first priority, we are supporting those who need opportunities the most and helping them build their livelihoods with dignity.”
Beyond employment, Pacific Safety Wear donates sewing machines, rolls of fabric, and training support to church groups, particularly women’s groups in rural communities. This initiative helps women start small tailoring businesses producing meri blouses, school uniforms, and custom clothing for local markets. It provides a pathway to self-entrepreneurship, independence, and financial dignity.
Vocational Training: Building the Next Generation of PNG Manufacturers
The company also provides free vocational training for students from vocational centers and trade schools. Students receive three months of hands-on industrial training, exposure to world-class machinery, and certification upon completion.
“We give them first-hand training on the most advanced machines in PNG. This is our way of contributing to the nation’s skilled workforce.”
Supporting SMEs Nationwide
Pacific Safety Wear is also a major supporter of SMEs across all provinces, supplying raw materials, fabrics, accessories, and guidance to help small tailoring businesses grow.
“When SMEs succeed, we succeed. They rely on us for materials, and we rely on them to build local industry. We grow together.”
Expanding PNG Manufacturing into the World
The company recently relocated to new premises to support growing demand and international interest. Their uniforms are now stocked in Australia and sought after in the UAE, a testament to their rising regional presence.
Their Managing Director, Mr. Ahamed Fazil, was also selected to represent PNG in a national trade mission to Fiji alongside the Deputy Prime Minister—a proud milestone highlighting Pacific Safety Wear’s role in the country’s industrial future.
Vision for the Next Five Years
Pacific Safety Wear’s long-term vision is to establish branches or factories in all provinces, strengthen support for local manufacturing, reduce imports, and increase PNG-made products, promoting “PNG Made” as a national brand. This ensures that the company continues to drive high-quality local production and world-class customer service.
“Our goal is simple. We want PNG to stand proudly on the global stage. We want uniforms made here, worn here, and recognized everywhere,” adds CEO Dr. Mohamed Fazul Jiffry.
More than a supplier, Pacific Safety Wear sees itself as a nation-builder. As management often says:
“We don’t just stitch logos. We build identity, pride, and professionalism for PNG.”
From empowering women and upskilling youth to supplying industries nationwide and promoting local manufacturing, Pacific Safety Wear stands as a testament to what dedication, vision, and community-focused leadership can achieve.
Proudly made in PNG and worn with pride everywhere.
