PPE and safety products distributor Ritz Safety has acquired fellow distributor Gloves Plus Inc., according to a Nov. 9 LinkedIn post by Ritz’s president.

Based in Simpsonville, SC, Gloves Plus distributes personal protective equipment, safety products, janitorial supplies and packaging supplies. The company serves customers across manufacturing, construction, medical, dental, oil and gas, foodservice and other markets, shipping throughout the contiguous United States.

Gloves Plus has provided safety solutions for more than 30 years. Its offerings include cut-resistant gloves, fall protection and customized safety gear, including branded safety glasses, hard hats, jackets and safety vests.

It marks the first acquisition announced by Ritz since November 2022 when it added TAF Environmental and Safety Controls Inc.

Founded in 1983 in Pompano Beach, FL, Ritz Safety remains family-owned. The company traces its beginnings to Emily Ritz and her son Peter Merkl, who sold work boots and gloves from a truck before expanding into a national safety distribution business.

Ritz’s website lists more than 18 locations nationwide, more than 300 employees and over 13,000 customers. Its product portfolio includes work gloves, protective apparel, safety eyewear, respiratory and hearing protection, fall protection, gas detection and first aid supplies.

Beyond product distribution, Ritz offers equipment rentals and repairs, customized safety gear, on-site safety evaluations, training and customer-specific safety programs, including vending services.