Waterless CO₂ Decontamination Capability Will Complement California PPE’s Advanced Wet Wash Solutions and Further Elevate Cleaning Efficacy HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lakeland Industries, Inc. ("Lakeland Fire + Safety" or "Lakeland") (NASDAQ: LAKE), a leading global manufacturer of protective clothing and apparel for industry, healthcare and first responders, today announced that its California PPE Recon, Inc. (“California PPE”) subsidiary, which specializes in personal protective e ...

Core Insights - Lakeland Industries, Inc. announced that its subsidiary California PPE has been selected to provide turnout gear maintenance and decontamination services for the Newport Beach Fire Department, highlighting the company's service quality and market position in the PPE sector [1][3]. Company Overview - Lakeland Fire + Safety is a global manufacturer of protective clothing and apparel, serving industries such as healthcare and first responders, and offers a comprehensive line of fire services and industrial protective clothing [4]. - California PPE is recognized as a leading and rapidly expanding UL-certified service provider in the California firefighting services market, focusing on advanced decontamination, repair, and inspection of firefighting PPE [2]. Strategic Positioning - The award to California PPE reflects the company's strategy to expand its recurring service offerings in North America, emphasizing the importance of verified, standards-based care and maintenance programs for firefighting gear [3]. - The scope of work includes maintenance and cleaning of turnout gear in compliance with NFPA 1850 requirements, ensuring documented inspection and care practices to support firefighter health and safety [3]. Market Demand - There is an increasing emphasis from fire departments on verified care and maintenance programs for turnout gear, indicating a growing market demand for such services [3].

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming Supreme Court hearing on the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for imposing tariffs is a significant focus for the Trump administration, with potential implications for the medical device industry and broader economic impacts [1][6]. Tariffs and Economic Impact - Trump imposed tariffs under IEEPA in February 2025, with tariffs on China imports currently at 55%, and a potential threat of an additional 100% tariff by November 1 [2]. - The US Treasury Secretary estimates that annual tariff revenue could reach $300 billion in 2025, although experts warn that tariffs negatively affect companies reliant on imports [4]. - The medical device industry is particularly concerned about the impact of tariffs on patient access to essential technologies [3]. Industry Response and Challenges - The Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) has urged the Trump administration to consider lower tariffs to promote medtech manufacturing and job growth in the US [3]. - The medical device industry faces significant challenges in shifting manufacturing away from China due to regulatory complexities and the time required for such transitions [7][8]. - Executives in the industry are beginning to develop strategies to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs, including tariff classification and supply chain issues [10][11]. Customs Planning and Strategies - Companies are exploring customs planning strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs, including utilizing the first sale rule for customs duties [13][15]. - New middleman structures are being created to separate intellectual property from manufacturing costs, allowing companies to potentially reduce customs duties [16][17]. Legislative Context - The ongoing US-China trade war complicates the situation, with China implementing additional export controls on rare earth metals critical for medical device production [17]. - Congress has not passed a miscellaneous tariff bill since Biden took office, which previously provided temporary duty suspensions for essential imports [19][20]. - There is a call for Congress to take action to alleviate tariff pressures on the medical device industry, as the current situation remains unresolved [20].

Core Insights - Lakeland Industries has successfully acquired Arizona PPE and California PPE, expanding its presence in the U.S. personal protective equipment market and enhancing its fire service offerings [1][4][5] - The acquisitions are expected to add approximately $5 million in annual recurring revenue to Lakeland's operations [1] Company Overview - Arizona PPE is a leading UL-certified independent service provider in Arizona, specializing in decontamination, inspection, and repair of firefighting garments, as well as offering training and rental services [2][8] - California PPE is a rapidly expanding UL-certified independent service provider in California, focusing on similar services for firefighting equipment and has a strong vision for growth in the Southern California area [3][9] Strategic Importance - The acquisitions are seen as complementary to Lakeland's existing fire service business, providing opportunities for growth in gear rentals and manufacturing [5] - The integration of Arizona PPE and California PPE is expected to leverage Lakeland's existing strengths in Asia and Australia to develop a robust North American platform for advanced decontamination and rental services [4][5]