GIL vs LECO Comparison

Gildan is a vertically integrated designer and manufacturer of basic apparel, including T-shirts, underwear, socks, and hosiery. Its primary market is the sale of blank T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other apparel to wholesalers, major clothing brands, and printers (printwear). Gildan also sells branded clothing through retail and direct-to-consumer channels. Brands include Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, and Goldtoe. Gildan produces most of its clothing at factories in Latin America but has been ramping up production at its new facility in Bangladesh. Incorporated in 1984, the Montreal-based company operates internationally but generates nearly 90% of its sales in the US. Gildan is acquiring its US rival Hanesbrands to bolster its consumer and printwear operations.

Lincoln Electric is a leading manufacturer of welding, cutting, and brazing products. Its portfolio includes arc-welding solutions, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems, brazing and soldering alloys, and automation solutions. Lincoln Electric serves clients across general fabrication, heavy industries, automotive, construction, shipbuilding, energy, and process industries, among others. Based in Cleveland, Lincoln Electric operates in 19 countries and employs 11,000 worldwide. The company generated roughly $4 billion in sales in 2024.