NSA's New Guard: A Non-Family CEO Takes the Helm of a Manufacturing Legacy

CLEVELAND, OH – June 08, 2026 – In a move that signals a pivotal evolution for one of America’s legacy manufacturers, National Safety Apparel (NSA) has officially passed the torch. The nearly 90-year-old, family-led enterprise today appointed Michael Enright as its Chief Executive Officer, the first non-Grossman family member to hold the title. This landmark transition sees Chuck Grossman Jr., after a transformative 30-year tenure, move to the role of Vice Chairman, where he will spearhead the company’s aggressive mergers and acquisitions strategy.

The succession is more than a change on an org chart; it represents a deliberate strategy to balance a rich heritage with the professionalized governance required to compete in the turbulent, high-stakes world of personal protective equipment (PPE). For a company that has navigated nearly a century of industrial change, this is a calculated play for its next chapter of growth.

The Grossman Legacy: A Foundation of Twentyfold Growth

To understand where National Safety Apparel is going, one must appreciate the foundation built by Chuck Grossman Jr. During his three decades as CEO, he transformed a modest family business into an industry powerhouse. The press release notes a “twentyfold growth” during his tenure, a figure substantiated by the company’s climb from approximately $1 million in sales to well over $120 million by 2020, and its workforce swelling from 70 to over 700 employees.

This expansion wasn't accidental; it was the result of a disciplined M&A strategy that constructed a formidable “house of brands.” Grossman proved adept at identifying and integrating companies that complemented NSA’s core mission. This strategy accelerated significantly following a 2024 recapitalization with Blue Point Capital Partners. Since then, acquisitions have become a core growth engine, with notable additions including electrical PPE specialist Enespro (which brought Enright into the fold), climbing and fall-protection gear maker Bashlin Industries, and key product lines from competitor Lakeland Industries.

Grossman’s new role as Vice Chairman is anything but a ceremonial exit. By focusing his deep industry knowledge exclusively on M&A, NSA is doubling down on its most successful growth lever. The timing is opportune. The global PPE market, valued at over $82 billion in 2025, is projected to exceed $129 billion by 2034. In this expanding and fragmented market, a dedicated M&A strategist with Grossman’s track record is a profound competitive asset, poised to continue consolidating market share.

Charting the Next Chapter: A New Era of Leadership

Stepping into the CEO role is Michael Enright, a seasoned executive with over three decades in the protective clothing market. Having served as NSA’s President for the last five years, Enright is a known quantity who has already earned the trust of the organization. His journey to the top was itself a product of the company's M&A strategy, having joined NSA after it acquired his firm, Enespro, in 2021.

Enright’s appointment is historically significant. “As I step into the CEO role, I am honored and humbled to be the first non-Grossman family member to lead NSA,” he stated, acknowledging the weight of the legacy he now stewards. His stated goal is to “build on the Grossman legacy and leading NSA into its next chapter,” signaling a strategy of evolution, not revolution.

This transition mirrors a broader trend among successful, long-standing family enterprises: the professionalization of management to navigate increased complexity and scale. Bringing in an external, albeit familiar, leader can inject new operational disciplines and strategic frameworks that are essential for competing with global giants like 3M and Honeywell. For a fourth-generation company deeply rooted in a “family culture,” the success of this transition will hinge on the leadership’s ability to merge its foundational values with the performance-driven demands of modern corporate governance. It is a delicate balance between preserving the soul of the company and preparing its structure for the future.

Navigating a Dynamic and Demanding Market

The leadership shift comes as the PPE industry confronts a new paradigm. The COVID-19 pandemic permanently altered the landscape, exposing acute supply chain vulnerabilities and accelerating innovation. For manufacturers, the strategic imperatives are clear: build resilience, embrace technology, and meet escalating demands for both safety and sustainability.

NSA’s strategy appears well-aligned with these market forces. The push towards “smart PPE”—garments integrated with sensors, IoT connectivity, and AI-powered monitoring—is reshaping the definition of safety. Simultaneously, advancements in materials like Kevlar and Dyneema, and even the use of nanotechnology, are creating products that are lighter, stronger, and more comfortable. While NSA faces formidable competitors at the forefront of this tech race, its agile M&A strategy allows it to acquire, rather than just develop, cutting-edge capabilities.

Furthermore, the increasing stringency of regulations, such as OSHA’s 2025 rule mandating properly fitting PPE for all construction workers, creates both a compliance burden and a market opportunity. Companies that can provide a wide range of sizes and customizable solutions, particularly for a more diverse workforce, will gain a significant advantage. This is where NSA’s operational focus provides a distinct edge.

The American Advantage: Doubling Down on Domestic Manufacturing

In an era defined by geopolitical turbulence and a global push to de-risk supply chains, National Safety Apparel’s most powerful differentiator may be its most traditional one: its unwavering commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing. The company proudly identifies as the “largest manufacturer of American-sewn safety apparel,” a title that has transitioned from a point of pride to a core strategic asset.

This domestic footprint provides a powerful hedge against the logistical disruptions and quality control issues that have plagued competitors reliant on overseas production. The ability to produce “small batches of higher quality clothing to consumers faster than foreign competitors” grants NSA a level of agility and responsiveness that is increasingly valuable. This was a key focus for Enright in his role as President, where he drove the expansion of NSA's Defense & Government business by emphasizing Berry-compliant, USA-made solutions.

By keeping its manufacturing close to home, NSA not only ensures a more resilient supply chain but also maintains direct oversight over the quality of its mission-critical products. In the business of protecting lives, that proximity is the ultimate competitive advantage.