In 1964 Gene Anderson, our founder, went to work for Western Glove Company in Pendleton, Oregon. Western Glove was the distribution arm for Boss Manufacturing with delivery drivers all across the United States who sold Boss gloves exclusively. These drivers traveled around their regions calling on retail outlets where they maintained and replenished glove display racks. Today this type of service is called Vendor Managed Inventory and the delivery system is known as Just-In-Time delivery.

As Gene traveled around eastern Oregon he quickly discovered a market that was being largely ignored . . . the industrial market. There were plywood, paper and sawmills dotting the landscape all over his territory and he began calling on them. The majority of the mills back then did not have a glove program, if their employees wanted gloves they purchased them from the company store or some other retail outlet. Gene was very successful in convincing the mills to start a program where the company purchased the gloves and then payroll deducted them at cost for the employees. The program was great for the employee as they were no longer paying retail price and the employer was able to control the quality of the gloves that were being used. Sales grew exponentially for Gene as did his standing with Western Glove. He was promoted to manager of the Portland, Oregon facility in 1969. In 1973 there was a material shortage thus a glove shortage and Boss decided to close Western Glove Company which gave rise to Western Sales & Supply in 1974. The company was incorporated in 1979 as Anderson's Western Sales & Supply, Inc. Gene’s youngest son Glen joined him in 1981 followed by his eldest son Chris in 1983 and his nephew Tim in 1989.

The customers were the driving force behind the expansion into safety for Anderson's Western Sales & Supply, Inc. Anything that could be done to help the customer took top priority and that tradition continues today. Our product offering continues to evolve as new technology is introduced into the safety market. Our goal is simple: we strive to provide the best quality products at a competitive price to help keep an individual safe and comfortable in the workplace. Take care of the customer and they will take care of you!