By Tamara Condie
Clean-lined shirts, big-shouldered jackets and chunky all-terrain footwear have reached their pinnacle in general fashion trends across the world. These styles are deeply entrenched in the functionality that defence uniforms provide, which Logistik Unicorp strives to improve using a systematic managed services approach in their uniform programs.
Founded in 1993, Logistik is a Canadian company that delivers uniform programs for a diverse clientele. The company offers maximum customization to deliver quality uniforms through the vigorous pursuit of innovation, research, development and problem-solving. Headquarted in St. Jean Richelieu, QC, with offices in Australia, New Zealand and Germany, Logistik created the managed services approach to develop uniform programs that have since drawn in clients from across Canada and around the world. .
Karine Bibeau, Vice President (VP) of Client Experience at Logistik, has an innate knack for entrepreneurship – her parents having both created several businesses which led Bibeau to pursue a degree in international business. From an early age, she worked for her father, Louis Bibeau, who founded Logistik, which threaded the needle of Bibeau’s knowledge of the defence industry. In addition, Bibeau’s brother has been involved with cadets for many years, which has immersed her in a community of service women and men whose contributions shaped her high esteem for members of the Forces.
“Throughout my career, I have been tasked with a number of challenging projects – one being the implementation of contracts in Australia working with the team at Australian Defense Apparel (ADA), a subsidiary of Logistik,” says Bibeau. “When put to the test, these assignments continue to validate my passion in working directly with clients.”
Logistik’s services are all client-centric – working in this industry requires a thirst for finding solutions, which is one of the parts of the job that Bibeau enjoys the most. Curiosity is a fundamental piece of the job, and a powerful tool – Bibeau has spent many years listening to the unique stories of defence personnel around the world, which built her passion for and respect of those who protect us.
“Working in the uniform industry has led us to learn so much about the type of hostile environments that military personnel around the world face in the course of their duties,” says Bibeau.
In addition to creating, producing and supplying uniform components to keep members of the Forces feeling safe, comfortable and proud, Logistik is consistently taking actions to improve the process. One of these actions, executed as component of improved environmental and social sustainability, is a project close to Bibeau’s heart. To enhance partnerships with Canadian First Nations and Inuit procurement, Logistik made the decision to curb the auction process and purchase fur pelts directly from Aboriginal trappers. This project generated direct business links between the company and First Nations based on a standardized, traceable wild fur supply, and resulted in a more eco-friendly process.
“Logistik is proud of our efforts in partnering with the defence industry as it makes great strides in enhancing social and environmental sustainability through new procurement requirements,” says Bibeau.
Bibeau is one of many trailblazers in the defence industry who are actively working towards transforming the field. Bibeau’s words of advice to any young executive entering the defence industry: tackle societal issues that are important to you while seizing opportunities to reinvent the wheel.
Bibeau is proud of the many creative efforts regularly in process at Logistik. At the 2022 CANSEC show, the company debuted ARISE, which it created to be the optimum modular clothing system for extreme cold weather. ARISE presents several new technological solutions, which will soon be trialed by members of the military. It is another component of the work produced by Logistik’s dedicated team focused on soldiers’ needs.
“The quest for innovation is part of Logistik’s DNA, so you will certainly see the company actively take part in various research projects with partners across Canada, focusing on the efficiency of the soldiers’ uniform process and improving product sustainability. Says Bibeau
Under the umbrella of innovation, Logistik has been leading many projects involving artificial intelligence (AI), including the application of AI to their business for optimal efficiency. The company is also in the process of developing a 3D scanning app to ease measurement-taking for a more precise selection of clothing size and fit.
At the core of Logistik lies a set of imperative values for operational success, which include being socially conscious, shrinking their carbon footprint, sourcing materials ethically, pursuing responsible management practices, and prioritizing the well-being of employees. These values uplift the company as a whole to develop functional and high-quality uniforms that best fit the specific mission of each member of the
Forces.
“From fabric selection to pocket placement, it is empowering to know that clothing features Logistik’s has developed play a vital role in the performance of the members’ duty,” says Bibeau.
Those who protect us are the inspiration for Logistik to push the boundaries of innovation through a human-centric approach. If there is one thing that over 25 years of experience in the defense industry has taught the company, it is that one size does not fit all.
When Bibeau has time off from her quest for optimal uniform design, she enjoys dragon boat racing, which she first took up in Australia. As her curious demeanour might have given away, Bibeau is passionate about objects that have a story and history – she is an avid antiquarian and thrifter.
