OUR HISTORY
Committed to quality and innovation for over 30 years.
Keela Tactical is founded on the principles of IQT: Innovation, Quality, and Technology. We take pride in our research-driven design approach, continually evolving to uphold our three core values: Innovation (IQT), Sustainability, and Community.
WHO WE ARE
At Keela Tactical, we bring over 30 years of experience as a fully British-owned manufacturer dedicated to supporting the emergency services sector. Our specialised protective solutions are designed to help you stay focused on the task at hand, free from interruptions.
With our unique position in the industry, we deliver comprehensive, head-to-toe solutions tailored to various specialised needs. As a vertically integrated company, we maintain complete control over the manufacturing process and draw on a broad range of expertise to ensure our garments are dependable, innovative, and customised to your exact specifications.
WHAT WE DO
Drawing on our extensive knowledge of the emergency services industry, we have developed a range of specialised garments tailored to meet the unique needs of Police, Fire, Ambulance, Rescue, Military, and other critical sectors.
Each collection is thoughtfully designed to address the specific challenges faced by these services—whether it’s maximising flexibility for unrestricted movement or providing robust protection against the elements.
In addition to our specialized ranges, we offer a bespoke customisation service. This allows you to modify existing garments from our collection or, if needed, create entirely new designs to meet your exact requirements.
WHY WE DO IT
We believe that when undertaking challenging jobs in difficult conditions, you should be able to focus fully on the task at hand and not be hindered by PPE which is not fit for purpose.
Using our expertise and approach to innovation we aim to create garments which can be relied on to perform everywhere; whether you’re waiting for the call or out in an emergency situation. Can’t find a standard garment that meets your requirements? We pride ourselves on making uniform procurement easy, we take your requirements and provide you with innovative solutions – contact our team and allow us to turn your specification into the perfect kit.
1973
COMPANY FOUNDED
The first roots of Keela!
Our parent company was founded and began working on the idea of Innovation, Quality, Technology.
1980
REPAIR CENTRE OPENED
The base of our Keela Rebuild programme started here.
Starting life as support for contract customers, it has continued to grow and expand – and we now complete over 100 repairs each year.
1989
KEELA FOUNDED
After years of manufacturing for others, the Keela brand is born.
Following the principles of Innovation, Quality, Technology – we aim to provide kit to last the test of time.
2001
TAPE SEALED FLEECE
We launch the world’s first fully tape sealed fleece jacket.
A true innovation.
2005
TSUNAMI SCHOOL
Following the Asian Tsunami disaster, we helped to rebuild a primary school.
With our close ties to Sri Lanka, we continue to work closely to support the area.
2006
THE QUEEN'S AWARD: INNOVATION
Our sister company is awarded a Queen’s Award for Innovation.
This if for their work on Advanced Construction Technology (A.C.T.) in garment and material construction.
2008
THE QUEEN'S AWARD: AGAIN!
A year of recognition for System Dual protection culminates in the Queen’s Award for the SDP technology – for its improvement in garment performance – the only fabric system in the world to achieve this accolade
2011
RECYCLING SCHEME LAUNCHED
This allows our contract customers to securely recycle their used garments – avoiding badged items going to landfill.
This becomes a key area in our 5 R’s approach.
2014
OUR FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
We launched our 5 R’s programme – aiming to improve credentials throughout our manufacturing process.
We also sign up to various initiatives aimed at improving sustainability.
2015
HERITAGE RANGE LAUNCHED
Our long-awaited Heritage range was launched, bringing together classic designs, British fabrics, and UK manufacturing.
2020
PRODUCING PPE GOWNS FOR THE NHS
During the pandemic, we expanded our UK manufacturing operations and dedicated them to producing gowns and PPE for the NHS, manufacturing over 750,000 gowns in Scotland.
2021
UK GOVERNMENT EARLY DAY MOTION FOR COVID EFFORTS
The UK Parliament gave thanks for our efforts in supporting NHS in the fight against COVID by producing PPE gowns.
2022
WE EXTEND OUR UK MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
Facilities originally used to make PPE gowns are kept, along with our bespoke service, and we begin UK manufacture of a range of products.
2022
RECOGNISED AS A SUPPORTED BUSINESS BY BASE
Ilasco by Keela, our UK manufacturing facility within our Head Office in Fife, was approved as a Supported Business by BASE, the national voice for providers of specialist employment support.
2022
DOUBLE WIN AT PCIAW AWARDS
We claimed the ‘Best PPE Accessory’ for the production of a maternity zip-in panel, and ‘Nearshore Manufacturing Award’ for our facilities in our factory on the East Coast of Scotland.
2022
WINNER OF THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD AT THE FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Speaking on the win, Keela Sales Director, Sam Fernando, commented: “It fills me with huge pride for our business to claim this prestigious award. It is a further indication of all the hard work carried out by everyone at Keela over the last year, as we look to push the boundaries of gear design further”
2023
THE LEGACY PROJECT LAUNCHED
As part of our commitment to UK manufacturing and sustainability, we are very pleased to announce the latest addition to our journey– The Legacy Project. Including 7 areas where we can save garments from the dreaded landfill heap.
2023
TGO MAGAZINE AWARD
Sustainability Brand of the Year – Awarded for our Legacy Project.