Bestwork Industries for the Blind

Name

Bestwork Industries for the Blind

Legal name

Bestwork Industries for the Blind, Inc.

Website

https://bestworkindustries.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Bestwork Industries for the Blind is a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) non-profit social enterprise that manufactures military apparel and provides document scanning, e-commerce, and kitting services, employing blind and visually impaired individuals through the AbilityOne Program and partnership-based satellite locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Military Apparel Manufacturing

NAICS

Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (except Contractors) (31525)

SIC

Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300)

akta.pro primary industry

Protective & Work Accessories Manufacturing (Safety Gloves/Hi-Vis Accessories) (IMAOAFAH)

Keywords

• Military apparel manufacturing
• Document scanning services
• Custom kitting assembly
• Workforce disability services
• Government contract manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Cherry Hill

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. AbilityOne Government Contracts: Federal government contracts through the AbilityOne Program (formerly JWOD) for manufacturing military clothing and accessories. Bestwork holds contracts with Defense Logistics Agency for products including Navy neckerchiefs, Navy Parka Liners, ECWCS garments, and Army FREE t-shirts.
2. Cut & Sew Manufacturing: Manufacturing of military clothing, safety vests, polishing cloths, laundry nets, and non-sterile gloves for government and commercial customers. Products include ANSI-compliant safety vests, traffic safety clothing, and commercial sewing for customers like True North and Northern Outfitters.
3. Document Scanning and Digital Imaging: Professional document conversion services including small format scanning, large format scanning, data capture and indexing, records management, secure document shredding, microfilm/microfiche conversion, and data deconstruction for commercial, healthcare, banking, real estate, and government clients.
4. E-commerce Retail (Bestwork Supply Center): Direct-to-consumer and B2B e-commerce platform offering over 40,000 products including office supplies, janitorial supplies, industrial products, and furniture. Customized virtual supply platform for organizational purchasing.
5. Kitting and Light Assembly Services: Customized kitting, light assembly, and fulfillment services for promotional, multipacks, medical, tools, and other products. Long-term, short runs, and seasonal projects supported.
6. Donations and Grants: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporate matching gifts, planned giving, and foundation grants including Truist Foundation ($83,000) to support mission expansion and capital investments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Bestwork Industries for the Blind is a nonprofit social enterprise that manufactures military clothing and accessories (Navy Parka Liners, ECWCS garments, Army FREE T-shirts, FR-Flight Deck Jerseys, Navy neckerchiefs), traffic safety garments, industrial wiping cloths, laundry nets, and non-sterile gloves for federal and commercial customers through the AbilityOne Program. The organization also delivers document scanning and digital imaging services, custom kitting and light assembly, and operates the Bestwork Supply Center e-commerce platform offering 40,000+ products, while providing low-vision clinical and assistive technology services through the Blindness and Low Vision Services Center (BLVSC). All operations are performed by or designed around a workforce that is blind or visually impaired.

Product overview

Bestwork Industries for the Blind is a non-profit manufacturing and social enterprise offering a diversified portfolio of products and services centered on employing people who are blind or visually impaired. The core offerings include: (1) Military Clothing & Accessories Manufacturing through the AbilityOne Program, producing items such as Navy Parka Liners, ECWCS garments, Army FREE T-Shirts, Navy Fitness Suit Pants, and FR-Flight Deck Jerseys; (2) Traffic Safety Clothing including ANSI-compliant safety vests; (3) Industrial products including wiping cloths, laundry nets, and non-sterile gloves; (4) Commercial Sewing Services with 100+ industrial machines; (5) Document Scanning & Digital Imaging (DSDI) converting paper to digital formats; (6) Custom Kitting & Light Assembly Services; (7) Bestwork Supply Center, an e-commerce platform offering 40,000+ products; and (8) the Blindness and Low Vision Services Center (BLVSC) providing low vision clinical services and assistive technology training. The company operates primarily as a manufacturing organization with social enterprise objectives, serving Department of Defense, federal, state, and commercial customers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Blindness and Low Vision Services Center (BLVSC): A state-of-the-art center providing free adult vision screenings, low-vision exams, assistive technology training, and vocational rehabilitation services for individuals experiencing vision loss.
• Bestwork Supply Center
• Document Scanning & Digital Imaging (DSDI)

Products and services

• Military Clothing & Accessories Manufacturing Manufactures military apparel and accessories for Department of Defense customers through the AbilityOne Program, including Navy Parka Liners, ECWCS Undershirts, Army FREE T-Shirts, Navy Fitness Suit Pants, FR-Flight Deck Jerseys, Navy Neckerchiefs, Moisture Wicking T-Shirts, Flyers Aramid Undershirts/Drawers, and Tool Bags. Berry Amendment compliant.
• Traffic Safety Clothing Produces safety vests and visibility garments including Fire Resistant ANSI Compliant Safety Vests (Class 2), ANSI Compliant Safety Vests (Class 2, Non FR rated), High Visibility Safety Vests, and High Visibility Non-ANSI Helmet/Arm/Leg Bands.

Quantifiable outcome

• 70% unemployment rate addressed through employment opportunities for working-age adults who are blind
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Industries for the Blind (NIB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Industries for the Blind is Bestwork's parent organization and primary business development partner. NIB connects Bestwork with federal government contracts through the AbilityOne Program and provides advisory services. Bestwork's President & CEO Jon Katz previously served as VP Business Development at NIB, and the organization holds NIB Growth Award recognition.
• JVS of MetroWestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership to operate satellite location at JVS' Montclair, NJ facility for kitting and light assembly. JVS provides vital services improving employability and self-sufficiency. Partnership opened October 2023 with ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• InRoads to OpportunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to operate satellite location at InRoads facility in Roselle, NJ for light assembly operations. Opened April 2025 as part of Bestwork's expansion strategy.
• Career Opportunity Development Inc. (CODI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to operate satellite location at CODI facility in Egg Harbor City, NJ. Linda Carney, President & CEO of CODI, serves on Bestwork's Board of Directors.
• NJMEP (New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting BLVSC and recipient of NJMEP Manufacturer of the Year award. Peter C. Connolly, CEO of NJMEP, serves on Bestwork's Board of Directors.
• Lions Clubs InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting BLVSC vision services. MaryAnn Ragone has nearly 30 years of service with Lions Clubs International including District Governor and Council Chair roles.
• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary government customer for military apparel through AbilityOne Program. DLA Troop Support is the contracting agency for Navy, Army, and Air Force procurement.
• General Services Administration (GSA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFederal agency providing access to government contracts and procurement vehicles for Bestwork's products and services.
• AbilityOne ProgramcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFederal program (formerly JWOD) providing preferential access to government contracts for products manufactured by blind workers. Bestwork is an authorized AbilityOne distributor.
• True North and Northern OutfittersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommercial sewing customers for whom Bestwork manufactures products using their industrial sewing machines and capabilities.
• Defense Logistics Agency Troop SupportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary contracting customer for military apparel including Navy, Army, and Air Force products. Key relationship for AbilityOne Program contracts.
• CNS Services Access NJ (ACCSES NJ)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDisability services organization and partner. Jon Katz serves on Executive Committee of ACCSES New Jersey's Board of Directors.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bosma Enterprises: Indianapolis-based nonprofit providing employment and training for people who are blind, manufacturing military apparel, industrial products, and offering vision rehabilitation services. Directly comparable mission, business model, and product mix including AbilityOne contracts and vision services.
• L C Industries (LCI): Durham, NC-based nonprofit manufacturing facility for the blind producing military apparel, mops, brooms, and janitorial supplies under AbilityOne contracts. Direct peer in the NIB network with overlapping military apparel and industrial products manufactured by blind workers.
• Alphapointe: Nonprofit organization in Kansas City, MO providing employment for people who are blind through manufacturing (military apparel, mops, janitorial supplies) and is a fellow AbilityOne/NIB-affiliated agency. Directly comparable as both organizations manufacture military clothing and industrial products under the AbilityOne Program using blind workers.
• Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind (WSIB): NC-based nonprofit manufacturing facility producing military apparel, mops, brooms, and packaging products through AbilityOne contracts. Comparable scale and product mix including cut and sew military garments, janitorial supplies, and kitting/assembly services using blind and visually impaired employees.
• The Chicago Lighthouse: Nonprofit in Chicago providing employment for blind and visually impaired individuals through manufacturing (clock and timing products, military apparel) and vision rehabilitation services. Similar social enterprise model with federal contracting and direct service offerings for blind individuals.
• Georgia Industries for the Blind: Bainbridge, GA-based nonprofit manufacturing facility producing military apparel, industrial products, and office supplies under the AbilityOne Program with a blind workforce. Direct NIB-affiliated peer with overlapping product categories including cut and sew garments and janitorial supplies.
• Industries of the Blind (IB): Nonprofit in Greensboro, NC manufacturing military apparel, mops, and industrial products for federal agencies through the AbilityOne Program. Direct peer as both organizations are NIB-affiliated agencies producing cut and sew military garments, safety products, and other federal supply items with blind workforces.
• Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI): Nonprofit providing employment, training, and vision rehabilitation services. Operates manufacturing including AbilityOne contracts and offers document scanning and vision services. Similar diversified social enterprise model with manufacturing, document services, and direct vision rehabilitation.

Emerging players

• Lighthouse Guild: Nonprofit organization based in New York providing vision rehabilitation, training, and assistive technology services for people with vision loss. Comparable through the BLVSC-style service offering (low vision exams, assistive tech training), though Lighthouse Guild has less focus on manufacturing and AbilityOne contracts.

Others

• National Industries for the Blind (NIB): Central nonprofit organization that partners with associated agencies like Bestwork to support federal contracting through the AbilityOne Program. Acts as parent partner and business development collaborator rather than a direct competitor—Bestwork is a member agency of the NIB network.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/bestworkindustries
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bestwork-industries-for-the-blind-inc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bestwork Industries for the Blind