Criticore Inc.

Outfitting Hard Working PeopleSince 1924

About Us

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR MORE THAN 90 YEARS

Universal Overall Company has been family owned and operated since 1924, making it a third generation family business.  In 1921, Max and Joe Eckerling immigrated to the United States to find work. They started out taking any job they could find to make ends meet.  They quickly recognized a need for bib overallls and they made and sold them out of their home on Roosevelt Road under the name of Universal Overall Company. Early on, they sold overalls primarily to local retailers. Then, during the 1930s, they branched out and started selling other work clothes, such as coveralls, to industrial laundries.  As their business grew, so did their product line. Products sold grew to include work shirts, work pants, and painters pants.

Today, Universal has successfully maintained the tradition of the past with modern day work clothing demands. For example, as comfort in clothing became popular, Universal discarded with stiff fabric and switched to soft, brushed fabric, so the consumor can have a comfortable garment immediately, rather than wait for a multitude of washes to achieve this. Despite all these changes, the adage of "it ain't broke, why fix it?" rings true too. During the post-World War II era, as synthetic fabrics became popular in clothing, it was also used in work clothing for fast drying pocketing and waistbanding.  Universal "kept up with the times" and used it then and it is still used by Universal today, 65 plus years later. Permanant Press, or now as it is commonly called wrinkle resistant is still used on our shirts and pants. It's a forumula for success for our customer and one that we've been proud of for over 85 years---combining tradition with modern times.

WHY IS UNIVERSAL BETTER?

1. WE OWN 100% OF OUR CUTTING AND MANUFACTURING FACILITIES

This fact puts us in the unique position of producing a product that is cut and sewn by Universal emplolyees. Universal refuses to sell any product that is made by an outside contractor.  To do so, would compromise the final product's quality.  The highest quality product is ensured because by owning and operating all of the manufacutring, we maintain control over all aspects of the manufacturing process from quality assurance to completion dates, thus giving our customers quicker turn around times. This direct ownership, coupled with 85 years plus of manufacturing experience, enables Universal to understand how to produce quality work clothing that can withstand the rigors of industrial work place.

2. WE SELL THE MOST COMPETITIVELY-PRICED WORK CLOTHING IN THE MARKET PLACE

Manufacturing in large volumes,enables Universal to purchase its fabric, buttons, thread, etc at heavily discounted prices.  Ownership of all of our manufacturing facilities cuts out the middle man, so savings can be passed on to our customers.

3. HANDS-ON MANAGEMENT

Upper management is hands-on and readily available to answer any questions. There are no layers of management, so any questions are answered quickly.

4. STELLAR CUSTOMER SERVICE

We have successfully maintained the delicate balance between using technology and human beings for customer service. We can receive orders via EDI, email, over the phone, or even through snail mail. While email is great, we encourage our customers to call and talk to us with questions and inquiries, to place orders, or to just say hi!  Well-trained customer service personnel are available to assist you with any inquiries and/or with the ordering process.

5. QUICK, EFFICIENT SHIPPING

97% of in-stock items ship within 24 hours from one location---no delays, no extra costs, no partial shipments from various points.  In fact, if an order is received by noon, CST, it usually ships the same day.  Included in our in-stock items are a signifigant increase of garments that have previously been considered non-stock. You can get a size 66 coverall, 8XL shirt, and/or pants with a 40 inch inseam or 26 inch waist shipped to you the same day the order was placed.

6. QUAILITY

With 85 plus years of manufacturing experience, customers will receive a garment that has been tested for sustainability.  We know which sewing operations to employ to ensure that our customers receive the best quality and longest lasting garments for heavy industry.  We know which type of fabric to buy ensure color retention. Plus, our garments have been carefully designed according to industry standards to withstand the rigors of heavy industrial work and heavy washing in industrial laundries.