Arco works with the GORE-TEX® Brand and Openreach to deliver game-changing PPE
07 August 2026
We're delighted to have collaborated with key industry names to produce the best protective outerwear for Openreach engineers to date. The result: success at the Professional Clothing Industry Association Worldwide (PCIAW) Awards.
Protecting modern workforces
With 1,600 female engineers now employed by Openreach (which runs the UK's biggest telecommunications network), there was a need to develop suitable PPE, integrating the latest technical developments and innovations.
Meeting the demands of a diverse and inclusive workforce, we set out to redesign a female range of outdoor jackets and trousers that would be a good fit for women's frames, and ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Engineer feedback was central to the project's success. By listening to the people who wear the garments every day, we ensured the final designs met real-world needs and expectations.
Strategically tailored for comfort
The jackets were tested throughout the design process to confirm they performed in real working conditions. Field trials then gave engineers the opportunity to test the garments and share feedback, allowing the team to refine the designs further.
The final design was produced in both a male and female range and each style was strategically tailored for differing needs and frames to ensure maximum comfort.
A positive impact
Final feedback from users has been excellent and further validated through external recognition. At the 2025 PCIAW Awards, our partnership won the Inclusive PPE Award, recognising the collaborative approach taken to design and deliver inclusive protective clothing.
Overall, our partnership with the GORE-TEX® Brand and Openreach has proven to be highly productive, effective, and successful. And at its heart, has always been worker safety and the desire to create greatly improved, fit-for-purpose products.