How uvex helped a global technology manufacturer address foot health and PPE consistency
By introducing a tailored, long-lasting footwear solution, uvex worked with a leading technology manufacturer to reduce employee fatigue, resolve persistent foot health issues, and establish a consistent PPE standard across operations.
Background
A global technology manufacturer operates a major production site in Telford with additional facilities in Scotland. The company applies Six Sigma principles to maintain clean, efficient, and highly organised workplaces which is a practice deeply rooted in its Japanese heritage and operational strategy.
Despite this structured approach, the business was experiencing a steady rise in foot health concerns, including plantar fasciitis and general fatigue, particularly among employees working long hours on hard concrete floors. The problem persisted despite trials with various brands.
The opportunity for change came at The Safety and Health Show at the NEC, Birmingham in 2024, where the company engaged with uvex to explore a more precise, needs-based approach to workplace footwear.
Identifying the problem
The manufacturer’s production and assembly lines require prolonged standing and manual handling in a clean, dry environment. While some anti-fatigue matting was installed, it was limited due to concerns over trip hazards and interference with the movement of palletised goods.
A site assessment highlighted:
- Persistent cases of plantar fasciitis and fatigue among workers.
- Inconsistent footwear quality and performance across suppliers.
- Limited ability to use anti-fatigue matting.
- The need for a single, high-performance PPE standard to ensure compliance and minimise risk.
The solution
uvex began with a focused trial for three employees with specific foot health needs:
- Two workers with plantar fasciitis were fitted with uvex 1 G2 safety shoes and uvex arch support insoles.
- One worker with a foot deformity was provided with a width-specific fitting.
The immediate improvement in comfort and reduced fatigue led to a wider rollout. On-site fitting clinics were held, and uvex footwear was adopted for all 400 employees at the Telford site, with the Scottish site following suit.
The footwear was selected based on individual requirements, with insoles scheduled for replacement every 6 - 8 months to maintain support and performance. While the initial investment was higher, uvex footwear lasted three times longer than the previous brand’s products, delivering significant long-term savings.
Key elements included:
- Improved wellbeing: Noticeable reduction in foot-related discomfort and fatigue.
- Cost efficiency: Footwear lifespan tripled, offsetting the higher initial cost.
- Full adoption: Positive feedback drove uptake across the entire workforce.
- Operational compliance: Clean floor policy upheld without relying on anti-fatigue matting.
Next steps
The manufacturer has begun a full PPE tender with the aim of becoming a 100% uvex-specified site. Current trials include:
- uvex xact-fit hearing protection.
- uvex gloves and eyewear to follow.
Procurement and health and safety teams are receiving uvex-led product training to ensure informed selection and sustained value. Distribution is managed through Shropshire Welding Supplies in partnership with BeeSwift, with uvex maintaining specification oversight to guarantee consistency and quality across all PPE categories.
Conclusion
Starting with targeted footwear support, this global technology manufacturer has moved towards a unified, high-performance PPE strategy. The initiative has improved employee comfort, reduced recurring costs, and set a foundation for consistent safety standards across multiple locations. With leadership backing and a clear rollout plan, the business is positioned to become one of the first in the region to adopt uvex PPE across all categories.
