If you’ve ever watched a boxing match, you’ve likely seen gear made by a Missouri company.
Everlast has been in business for nearly 60 years in Moberly. Serving as the sole domestic manufacturing site for Everlast-branded items, the facility has been a cornerstone of the community since 1966.
The company, headquartered in Miami, Florida, manufactures a wide range of products for fight sports, including boxing gloves, protective gear, punching bags and boxing rings.
Muhammad Ali, revered by many as the greatest boxer of all time, famously wore Everlast gear throughout his illustrious career.
“Our client base spans the full spectrum of fight sports – from world champions to everyday fitness enthusiasts and soccer moms taking classes that focus more on cardio than combat,” said Vice President of Operations Ray Stewart. “Most of our products are sold at the retail level through major retailers such as Walmart, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports. We also supply boxing gyms of all sizes at the wholesale level, and our products reach customers worldwide through strategic licensing agreements.”
Among the items produced in Moberly are roughly 300,000 punching bags per year. The facility also manufactures free-standing heavy bags and some of the outfits fighters wear.
“We are primarily a distribution facility, as most of the items are made overseas,” Stewart said. “We ship 200,000 to 300,000 items per month out of our seven-acre distribution center.”
To ensure Everlast stays fit for the future, Stewart said he is continuously focused on improving operational processes and overall efficiency.
“Automation has been implemented wherever feasible to enhance productivity and consistency,” Stewart said. “Additionally, we have recently upgraded and integrated state-of-the-art software to better manage and streamline all aspects of our business operation.”
Everlast also collaborated with the Workforce Development Center at Moberly Area Community College to implement a comprehensive training program for employees.
“The qualifications and requirements for working at Everlast vary depending on the specific role,” Stewart said. “At their core, our employees are grounded, hardworking individuals who exemplify reliability, integrity and a strong work ethic.”
Over his 25 years at Everlast, Stewart has hired entire families who have worked at the facility.
“You see the kids grow up, you see people meet, and some eventually have gotten married,” Stewart said. “I have people who have been with the company for over 30 years, and most of my staff have been here 15 years or more. It is really a family atmosphere.”
This feature is part of the Missouri Chamber’s Show Me Spotlight series, celebrating Missouri Chamber members making an impact across our state. If your business would like to be featured, contact Jeff Haldiman at [email protected].
