Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing

What Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing does

Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing (CLC) is a U.S.-based manufacturer and marketer of professional work gear, work gloves, and personal protective equipment, founded in 1983 and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hultafors Group North America, Inc. (part of Sweden's Hultafors Group AB). The company's product portfolio is organized across four primary categories—Work Gloves, Tool Carriers, Work Gear (aprons, tool belts, suspenders), and Knee Protection—and spans a price range from economy canvas gloves at roughly $2 to premium leather combo systems at $300–$402.

The core product technology combines traditional leather craftsmanship (top-grain leather, split cowhide, goatskin, deerskin) with engineered modern materials including 1680D ballistic nylon, HDPE cut-resistant knit fibers, spandex, and Syntrex synthetic palms. CLC has invested in multiple patent-pending proprietary features: Ring-Cut convertible fingertips, telescoping LED lighted roller bag handles, magnetic folding zipper tops, BigMouth internal metal frames, Sta-Open webbing, XtraCoverage palm reinforcement, and patented gusseted apron pockets. The FlexGrip 363 line holds an ANSI A5 cut rating and selected gloves carry EN388.4544 / EN388.4543 and CE certifications.

CLC monetizes through one-time unit sales across a broad multi-channel go-to-market: direct-to-consumer via its own goCLC.com e-commerce storefront, and through 50+ retail channel partners spanning national hardware chains (Ace Hardware, Do It Best), industrial distributors (Grainger, Fastenal, MSC, McMaster-Carr), tool specialty retailers (Northern Tool & Equipment), construction supply (White Cap), automotive aftermarket (O'Reilly Auto Parts, Pep Boys), farm/ranch retail (Tractor Supply), e-commerce (Amazon), and regional lumber/hardware distributors. Customer segments include professional construction tradespeople, field service and maintenance professionals, automotive technicians, and DIY consumers, served through a horizontal segmentation approach. Sub-brands such as Phantom Collection, CLC Tech Gear, Signature Elite, FlexGrip 363, Hybrid, Molded Base, and the sibling Wild River outdoor brand provide tiered product ladders and segment specialization.

Name

Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing

Legal name

Custom LeatherCraft Mfg. Co., Inc.

Website

https://goclc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing (CLC Work Gear) is a U.S. manufacturer of work gloves, tool carriers, aprons, and knee protection, serving professional construction tradespeople, field service workers, automotive technicians, and DIY consumers through 50+ retail partners and direct e-commerce, operating as a subsidiary of Sweden's Hultafors Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Work Gear & Personal Protective Equipment

NAICS

Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing (316), Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (31599)

SIC

Leather & Leather Products (3100), Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Protective, Safety & Tactical Leather Goods Manufacturing (Holsters/Pouches/Gear) (IMAOAHAF), Sports, Outdoor & Adventure Packs Manufacturing (Backpacks/Duffels) (IMAOAHAE)

Keywords

• Work gloves
• Tool carriers
• Personal protective equipment
• Leather work gear
• Construction safety equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

South Gate

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Work Gear and Tool Carrier Sales: One-time product sales of work gloves, tool carriers, aprons, tool belts, kneepads, and accessories through retail and direct-to-consumer channels. Revenue generated per unit at varying price points from budget canvas gloves to premium leather combo systems priced at $300-$400+.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing (CLC Work Gear) designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of professional work gloves, tool carriers (tool bags, backpacks, roller bags, nail bags, tool pouches, tool belts, aprons, knee pads), and personal protective equipment made from top-grain leather, split cowhide, goatskin, deerskin, 1680D ballistic nylon, and synthetic materials (Syntrex, spandex, HDPE cut-resistant fibers). Products span economy canvas gloves through premium Signature Elite leather/ballistic-nylon combo systems, with technology-integrated offerings including LED-lighted handles, USB-charging backpacks, and touch-screen-compatible gloves sold to professional tradespeople, field service technicians, automotive mechanics, and DIY consumers through retail, industrial distribution, and direct e-commerce channels.

Product overview

Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing (CLC Work Gear) is a manufacturer of professional work gear and hand protection products. The company offers a diversified portfolio organized into four main categories: Work Gloves (including High Dexterity, Hybrid, Safety Viz, and Flex Grip 363 sub-lines), Tool Carriers (Phantom Collection, CLC Tech Gear, Molded Base Bags, and general tool bags/pouches), Work Gear (Aprons and Combos, Belts and Suspenders, CLC Signature, CLC Signature Elite, Climate Gear, Hi-Viz Gear, Tool Holders, and Tool Lanyards), and Knee Protection. The product line features various materials including leather, ballistic nylon, canvas, and synthetic fabrics. Notable product families include the Signature Elite premium line combining top-grain leather with ballistic nylon, the Phantom Collection featuring modern ballistic poly fabric designs, and the Flex Grip 363 series of high dexterity work gloves. CLC also offers specialized products like the E-Charge line with integrated USB charging and LED lighting capabilities for electronic device support on job sites.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Phantom Collection: Premium tool bags and accessories made from ballistic poly fabric featuring heavy-duty construction and multiple pockets for organized tool storage.
• CLC Tech Gear
• Signature Elite
• FlexGrip 363
• Hybrid
• Molded Base
• Climate Gear
• Hi-Viz Gear
• Tool Works
• CLC Pit Crew
• CLC E-Charge
• Strap-Its

Products and services

• High Dexterity Work Gloves Form-fitted work gloves with Syntrex synthetic palm material, Stretch-Fit thumb, and spandex back for enhanced dexterity, flexibility, and reduced fatigue. Includes Handyman, Tradesman, WorkRight, Contractor XC, Subcontractor, and Pro Framer XC variants with Ring-Cut convertible fingertips.
• Hybrid Work Gloves Premium grade leather combined with breathable stretch spandex for comfort and performance; reinforced palm and fingertips with neoprene wrist cuff. Includes Top Grain Deerskin, Top Grain Goatskin, and Goatskin variants.
• Safety Viz Work Gloves High visibility work gloves with reflective fingertips and touch screen capability, including CUT A5 HI-VIZ UTILITY (ANSI A5 cut rated) and Touch Screen Hi-Viz Gripper Gloves (CE tested).
• FlexGrip 363 Work Gloves High dexterity gloves featuring breathable birdeye mesh fabric, soft knitted synthetic leather palms, padded knuckles, and 3 touch screen fingertips. Includes UTILITY, UTILITY GRIP, UTILITY PRO, IMPACT, HEAVY DUTY, CAMO IMPACT, and DESERT CAMO variants.
• Work Gloves (Automotive, Chemical/Disposables, Winter, General) Comprehensive range of general-purpose work gloves including Automotive, Chemical/Disposables, Winter, and standard Work Gloves in cowhide, pigskin, canvas, jersey, and latex/nitrile coated options.
• Phantom Collection Tool Carriers Premium tool carrier line featuring ballistic poly fabric with heavy-duty construction. Includes Phantom Tool Backpack (36 pockets), Contractor's Tool Bag (18 inch, 26 pockets, BigMouth internal metal frame), and Heavy Duty Leather Combo Apron.
• CLC Tech Gear Tool Carriers Technology-integrated tool storage line with LED lighting features including 53 Pocket Lighted Backpack, 17 inch Lighted Handle Roller Bag (telescoping handle with 39-Lumen LED, 3 light levels, magnetic folding zipper, U.S. and Int'l Patents Pending), and Lighted Pro Contractor's Business Portfolio.
• Molded Base Tool Bags Tool bags with molded base design for longer wear and keeping tools dry. Includes 16 inch BigMouth Tote (23 pocket) and 17 inch Technician's Multi-Compartment Bag (54 pocket).
• Nail and Tool Bags Specialized bags for carrying nails, fasteners, and tools, available in leather and ballistic nylon options with multiple pocket configurations.
• Tool Pouches Individual tool pouches and holders including Pro Drywaller's Heavy-Duty Leather Tool Pouch, Heavy-Duty Leather Tape/Tool Holder, and Heavy-Duty Leather Hammer/Tool Holder.
• Softside Tool Carriers Flexible fabric-based tool carriers including 75 Pocket Heavy-Duty Tool Backpack, 44 Pocket Deluxe Tool Backpack, and various tool bags.
• E-Charge USB Charging Tool Backpack Tool backpack with internal USB charging system featuring removable 10000 mAh power bank that simultaneously charges 2 devices. Includes 20 internal and 3 external pockets, priced $133–$234.
• E-Charge Lighted USB Charging Tool Backpack Advanced version with 15000 mAh power bank, 200-Lumen LED light system, and 36 pockets. Features 4 internal charging wall pockets for tablets and smartphones.
• Aprons and Combo Systems Work aprons and combo tool belt systems including Signature Top-Grain Leather Combo Apron, Top of the Line Pro Framer's Ballistic Nylon Combo System, Heavy Duty Leather Combo Apron, and various carpenter/framer combo belts.
• Belts and Suspenders Heavy-duty work belts and suspenders including 3 inch Tapered Heavy-Duty Leather Work Belt, Heavy-Duty Work Suspenders, Padded Work Suspenders, and Fully-Adjustable Padded Yoke Leather Suspenders.
• CLC Signature Work Gear Premium line of work gear featuring top-grain leather construction with quality craftsmanship.
• CLC Signature Elite Work Gear Ultimate line of work gear featuring premium materials including top-grain leather and 1680D ballistic nylon. Includes suspenders, tool pouches, combo systems ($323–$402), and aprons with patented easy-carry handles and gusseted front pockets.
• Climate Gear Work gear designed for various climate conditions including winter weather protection.
• Hi-Viz Gear High visibility work gear for safety and visibility on job sites.
• Strap-It Tie-Downs Tie-down straps for securing tools and equipment.
• Tool Holders Individual tool holders including hammer holders, tape holders, and general tool holders for belts.
• Tool Lanyards Safety lanyards for securing tools to prevent falling objects.
• Knee Protection Knee pads and knee protection products for workers who kneel during tasks.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Ace HardwarecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAce Hardware is a major hardware cooperative retailer with over 5,000 stores. CLC products are sold through Ace Hardware locations, serving both professional tradespeople and DIY consumers through the Ace Hardware brand ecosystem.
• Do It BestcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDo It Best is one of the largest hardware/lumber buying cooperatives in the US with hundreds of member stores. CLC work gear products are distributed through Do It Best's member hardware stores.
• GraingercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrainger is a leading industrial supply distributor serving commercial, industrial, and government customers. CLC products are listed in Grainger's catalog serving maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) buyers in industrial settings.
• Tractor Supply Co.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTractor Supply is a rural lifestyle retailer with over 2,000 stores across the US. CLC work gear is available at Tractor Supply locations serving farmers, ranchers, contractors, and rural homeowners.
• Northern Tool & EquipmentmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNorthern Tool & Equipment is a specialty retailer of tools and equipment. CLC products are distributed through Northern Tool & Equipment stores and catalog serving professional contractors and tradespeople.
• O'Reilly Auto PartsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorO'Reilly Auto Parts is one of the largest specialty automotive retailers in the US with over 5,000 stores. CLC work gloves are available through O'Reilly locations for automotive professionals and mechanics.
• AmazonmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCLC Work Gear products are sold through Amazon's marketplace, providing broad online consumer reach and e-commerce convenience for individual buyers and small businesses.
• FastenalmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFastenal is a major industrial supply company with locations across North America. CLC products are distributed through Fastenal serving industrial, construction, and commercial customers.
• White Cap Construction SupplymajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWhite Cap is a specialty construction distributor. CLC products are sold through White Cap locations serving professional contractors, construction companies, and tradespeople.
• Pep BoysminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPep Boys is an automotive service and parts retailer. CLC work gloves are distributed through Pep Boys locations for automotive technicians and mechanics.
• Hultafors Group North America, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHultafors Group North America, Inc. (6333 West Donges Bay Road, Mequon, WI 53092-4456) is the parent company and corporate entity of Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing (CLC Work Gear). CLC operates as a brand within the Hultafors Group North America portfolio, which is part of the broader Hultafors Group AB of Sweden.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Mechanix Wear: Closest direct competitor in the professional work glove category for mechanics, tradespeople, and industrial workers. Mechanix and CLC compete head-to-head across price tiers and overlapping channel partners, with similar focus on dexterity, cut-resistance, and touch-screen compatibility.
• Klein Tools: Family-owned manufacturer of professional hand tools, tool belts, pouches, and work gear primarily targeting electricians and tradespeople. Klein Tools competes directly with CLC's tool-carrier and apron lines, particularly in leather and ballistic nylon trade configurations.
• Occidental Leather: Premium leather tool belt, pouch, and apron maker focused on high-end carpenter and framer belts. Competes directly with CLC's Signature Elite leather combo systems at the premium price point.
• Ironclad Performance Gloves: Performance work glove specialist known for impact-resistant and cut-resistant gloves for industrial, oil & gas, and construction applications. Direct competitor to CLC's FlexGrip 363 line and HDPE cut-resistant offerings.
• Wells Lamont: Long-established work glove brand offering leather, cotton, knit, and coated gloves across industrial, automotive, and DIY markets. Competes with CLC across budget, mid-range, and leather tiers through overlapping mass-market and hardware-store distribution.
• Bucket Boss: Tool organization brand specializing in bucket tool organizers, pouches, and tool carriers. Competes directly with CLC's softside tool carriers, tool pouches, and bucket-mountable work gear for tradespeople.
• Pyramex: PPE manufacturer offering safety gloves, eyewear, and head protection across industrial and construction channels. Overlaps with CLC's safety-viz, cut-resistant, and disposable glove lines through shared industrial distributors.

Broad incumbents

• Milwaukee Tool: Major power tool brand (parent TTI) that has aggressively expanded into work gloves, tool storage, and jobsite accessories. Represents a broad incumbent with much larger R&D and brand investment competing for the same professional tradesperson end customer.
• DeWalt: Major power tool brand under Stanley Black & Decker with an expanding work accessories line including tool bags and work gloves. Competes with CLC at retail through Home Depot and Lowe's channels, leveraging significantly larger brand and marketing scale.
• Husky (Home Depot): Home Depot's house brand for tool storage, tool bags, and work accessories at value price points. Competes with CLC's economy/mid-tier tool carriers and gloves through a different exclusive retail channel.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/goclc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/seeCLC
• Facebookfacebook.com/pages/CLC-Work-Gear/352858618138458
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/custom-leathercraft
• Instagraminstagram.com/clcworkgear

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Custom LeatherCraft Manufacturing