Our Story
From the early days of industrial safety to today’s trusted products, our history is as enduring as America itself, built on generations of expertise and innovation.
1700s
The Clymer family immigrates from Germany, settling in Philadelphia, and quickly establishes a legacy of leadership and contribution to American history. George Clymer, a relative, becomes the only Philadelphian to sign all four founding U.S. documents, including the Declaration of Independence.
George Clymer (1739-1813) signed the United States Constitution in 1787 as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. He was one of only six Founding Fathers to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
1917
After Willson Clymer's untimely passing while working at Bethlehem Steel, his son Franklin S. Clymer, at just 17 years old, quits high school to support his family. This marks the beginning of the family's long-standing commitment to hard work and resilience.
1920s
Franklin S. Clymer pioneers advancements in industrial safety clothing, designing innovative heat-resistant garments to protect workers in hazardous environments. His contributions earn him recognition as a trailblazer in the safety apparel industry.
1949
Franklin’s entrepreneurial spirit leads him to co-found Industrial Safety Specialties Company, establishing roots in Sellersville and setting the stage for decades of industrial innovation.
Original Site in Sellersville, PA
1970s
Franklin S. Clymer retires, and leadership transitions to his son Franklin R. “Frank” Clymer, who becomes president. His brothers, Barry and Paul Clymer, also take on leadership roles, ensuring the company remains a family-driven business.
Barry Clymer
Frank Clymer
1985
Faced with the closure of Industrial Safety Specialties, Franklin and Barry Clymer seize the opportunity to reinvent themselves, founding American Safety Clothing to focus on heat-resistant garments for a diversified customer base. This marks a pivotal moment in ensuring the family’s contributions to industrial safety continue.
1987
American Safety becomes the primary focus, phasing out handbag production and expanding its operations.
Because ASC works with high-temperature materials, we were approached by a sculptor from Hawaii who works with molten lava to make him a hood, boots, and gloves.
1990
Jason Clymer, Barry’s son, joins the company, marking the third generation of Clymer family involvement in the safety apparel industry.
1994
American Safety moves into its current facility, a historic location in Sellersville. This is the same building where Franklin began his career and met his wife, Anna—a symbolic return to the company’s roots.
2010s
In 2010, Kyle Phipps joined American Safety Clothing as General Manager, taking charge of day-to-day operations and driving the company’s growth. Two years later, Franklin R. Clymer retired, and Henry Thompson became CEO, stabilizing the company financially and positioning it for long-term success, while Barry Clymer continued to lead innovation in industrial safety apparel.
In 2016, ASC made Aluminized glass suit - hood, coat, pants, boots, and glove for a Capital One Spark Business Card commercial.
today
American Safety Clothing continues to be a leader in industrial safety apparel, proudly operating out of its Sellersville headquarters. With over 125 years of combined family expertise, the company serves diverse industries by producing innovative, high-quality protective garments.