Company History

Morris Barker launches Barco in 1929 to provide uniforms for beauty and residential professionals.

Barco produces its first medical uniforms in 1936 when Kenneth Donner takes the reins, setting a bold, new course for the company and the industry as a whole.

Barco becomes the first to merge fashion with uniform design in 1940, earning the once regional company its spot on the national stage.

In 1943, Barco pioneers the use of nylon in uniforms, giving its garments a more graceful, feminine line while improving performance and durability

Barco continues to turn the industry onto Dupont’s™ latest fibers, creating nurses’ uniforms from the same fabrics and yarns used in fashion apparel to enhance comfort and style.

Barco introduces warp knits to medical uniforms, for exceptional comfort and wash properties.

In 1962, Barco’s ties to the fashion industry grow stronger as the company helps launch the modeling career of Cheryl Tiegs, becoming one of her first clients.

Barco moves its world headquarters to Gardena, California, in 1964.

In 1965, Barco produces the world’s first fashion scrubs and introduces 100% textured woven fabrics to uniform design.

1967: the height of the Space Age. And Barco is there, with some truly out-of-this-world “concept" uniforms.

With Denny’s Restaurants as a new client, Barco enters the corporate uniform arena in 1970, premiering the warp knit pantsuit for Burger King soon after.

Barco’s pioneering use of the pantsuit in uniform design spurs a front-page feature in The Los Angeles Times.

In 1970, Barco also becomes an early entrant into the digital age, implementing an IBM computer system.

Barco launches the Work Force™ label in 1980 with a line of white fashion separates designed to be mixed and matched, creating a complete wardrobe for the medical professional.

Also in 1980, Barco introduces the first full line of highly styled, colored uniforms and pantsuits for the restaurant industry.

CEO Kenneth Donner is honored for 50 years of accomplishment in the professional apparel industry.

Barco’s design excellence is recognized with the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors’ (NAUMD) “Image of the Year” Award.

Barco introduces its Petite Floral, which sparks a print revolution in medical uniforms that, today, is stronger than ever.

In 1995, Barco’s Riverwashed™ brand becomes the first soft woven formulation used in the uniform industry.

Barco pioneers the use of authentic stretch in medical apparel with its FLEXX World fabrics.

In 2001, Barco brings a sense of magic and wonder to professional medical apparel with its Disney™ line.

Barco invents fashion reversible scrubs in 2002 under the Multiples concept.

In 2004, Barco becomes part of McDonald's effort to upgrade the appearance of its employees and enhance its brand. This same year, Barco wins the “Image of the Year” Award from NAUMD for its designs for McDonald’s.

In 2006, Barco revolutionizes medical uniforms for the nursing industry by partnering with ABC and creating the instantly popular Grey’s Anatomy™ Professional Wear by Barco.

In 2007, Barco wins the “Best New Line of the Year” Award from the Uniform Retailers Association for its Grey’s Anatomy™ collection.

McDonald’s honors Barco in 2008 and 2009 with its Teamwork Award.

In 2009, Barco celebrates 80 its anniversary. In a nod to its future, the company also establishes its Lean Initiative Program.

Also in 2009, the company launches Crayola™Threads by Barco, a vibrant new collection inspired by the power of color.

The company introduces its new NRG by Barco™ line.

Barco wins the 2009 “Image of the Year” Award from NAUMD.

Michael and Frida Donner establish Barco’s Nightingales Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring nurses by helping children.

Barco unveils its Advanced Research Clothing™ Technology (arcTechnology™) in 2010.

Barco and its employees donate $10,000 to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.

In April 2010, Barco launches its new brand and website.