Partnering for Impact: How Bullard and UK Are Advancing Safety and Innovation in Kentucky through OneUK

For more than a century, Bullard has been protecting the people who protect others. Headquartered in Central Kentucky, the family-owned manufacturer is a global leader in personal protective equipment, producing trusted products like head and face protection, firefighter helmets, thermal imaging, and respiratory protection systems used by frontline workers around the world.

Founded in 1898 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bullard made Kentucky its home in the 1970s — and it’s here that Bullard has grown into a global brand, investing in the people and communities of the Commonwealth. Today, Bullard is one of the region’s most prominent manufacturers, offering high-quality jobs in engineering, production, sales, marketing, supply chain, accounting and other business operations. Its global reach is matched by its local impact, as the company continues to invest in the people and communities of Central Kentucky.

In a state where manufacturing is a cornerstone of the economy, Bullard’s presence is especially significant. The company not only provides high-skill employment opportunities but also drives innovation in safety technology, positioning Kentucky as a hub for advanced manufacturing. Its work ensures that Kentucky’s workforce is represented in industries that keep the world’s most essential workers safe. For students, researchers and job seekers, Bullard is proof that world-class manufacturing careers can thrive right here at home.

“At Bullard, we see Kentucky not just as our home, but as the foundation for our future," Wells Bullard, president and CEO of Bullard said. "Our partnership with the University of Kentucky reflects our belief that the Commonwealth can be a center of excellence for safety, innovation, and manufacturing. Together, we’re building opportunities that keep talent here, create meaningful impact for our communities, and help shape the next century of protecting people on the front lines of the toughest jobs.” 

Together, the University of Kentucky and Bullard have identified shared goals that will guide a long-term, strategic partnership through the OneUK initiative. These goals focus on three key areas: talent, innovation and support. 

• Talent: Create exceptional experiences for students and alumni, connecting them with meaningful career opportunities at a company committed to protecting workers and saving lives, while also providing Bullard employees with access to UK’s degree and certificate programs to further their professional growth
• Innovation: Engage UK faculty, students and resources in addressing real-world challenges with the potential to become valuable Bullard products and services, while leveraging UK technologies and collaborating on federal research grants to accelerate innovation.
• Support: Raise Bullard’s profile on campus, strengthen awareness of advanced manufacturing careers and support community development initiatives that promote the health, safety and prosperity of the people Bullard serves and employs.

"Having been part of the Bullard family for a significant part of my career, I have a deep appreciation for their commitment to safety and innovation,” Landon Borders, UK sr. executive director for research and development partnerships, said. “Now, in my role with UK Innovate and as a core OneUK team member, it's incredibly rewarding to bring these two world-class organizations together. This partnership is about more than just shared goals; it's about creating a powerful ecosystem where we can cultivate top-tier talent, accelerate life-saving technologies, and strengthen the economic fabric of the Commonwealth. We are building a brighter, safer future for Kentucky, together."

This mutually beneficial partnership addresses the needs of both Bullard and UK while supporting economic growth in Kentucky. Through OneUK, the two institutions are not only aligned in mission, but advancing measurable action — building a safer, more innovative Commonwealth. 

Learn more about how the University of Kentucky is working with partners like Bullard to advance industry, workforce and innovation across the state here. 

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At its core, OneUK seeks to deepen business engagement across all areas of the University of Kentucky, creating opportunities for talent development, innovation, and strategic support. By aligning UK’s educational, research, and community resources with industry leaders, OneUK supports Kentucky’s economic growth while offering companies access to world-class talent, cutting-edge research, and a thriving collaborative ecosystem. Read more here.