Born just one mile apart, Ford and Carhartt didn’t just grow up in the same city; the companies grew up on the same job sites. For over a century, the American worker has woken up, put on their Carhartt, and climbed into their Ford. One provides the workwear and the other provides the muscle. Together, it’s the unofficial uniform of the Essential Economy.

For more than 100 years, Carhartt has produced apparel for Ford factory workers, dating back to the 1920s with workwear programs through the 1970s.

After a century of working together on jobsites, Ford and Carhartt made it official during a press conference on Tuesday at the Detroit Auto Show. Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company CEO, and Linda Hubbard, Carhartt CEO, announced a multi-year strategic partnership designed to create long-term impact in three critical areas for the Essential Economy: workforce development, community building and durable products that help strengthen and support the skilled trades.

Products include new co-branded merchandise and a Super Duty Carhartt truck that will be available later this year.

“Hamilton Carhartt founded our company on a simple principle: listen to hardworking people and build products that help them do their jobs safely and effectively,” said Hubbard. “For 136 years, we’ve stood with the skilled trades by making durable gear they can rely on. That commitment has since grown to include support for programs that provide people with the skills and training needed for meaningful careers in the trades. We’re excited that our partnership with Ford will help us advance this important work.”

Gear, Training and Tools for the Next Generation of Auto Technicians

The next generation of auto technicians is on the radar of both companies as Ford aims to provide fast-track training programs by partnering with high schools and community colleges to keep the pipeline strong. This includes Ford Philanthropy and Ford dealers' partnership with TechForce Foundation to support Ford Auto Tech Scholars with training and funding to cover technician tools, credentialing fees, and transportation needs.

Now, Carhartt is extending their commitment to outfit the next cohort of Ford Auto Tech Scholars in custom Carhartt gear.

In addition, Ford and Carhartt are bringing ToolBank to Detroit. ToolBank USA is a non-profit organization that provides access to tools for community revitalization, trade education, and disaster relief.

The Detroit ToolBank opens next month, doubling as a training ground for the next generation of tradespeople. It will offer a free tool lending program that provides, stores, and repairs tools and equipment for local organizations and workers, supplying more than 5,000 volunteers and 25,000 tools every year. To support their efforts, Ford is donating an F-150 with ProPower On Board to help extend their reach throughout Southeast Michigan. 

“This is such a great match because we're all committed to making sure workers have the best equipment and gear that they can get. ToolBank USA is inspiring people to do more with their hands while changing lives in our local communities,” Farley said. “Who better to expand their mission and bring the next hub to this great city than two iconic Detroit companies, Ford and Carhartt.”

Workwear Designed for Rigorous Demands of the Modern Service Bay

The two companies, alongside uniform provider Cintas, launched a new program in late 2025 to equip essential dealership technicians with new, durable uniforms — workwear designed to meet the rigorous demands of the modern service bay. The offerings include shirts, pants, jackets, sweatshirts, and options for footwear and accessories, available in both men's and women's sizes delivered through Cintas’ nationwide service and scale.

Dealerships have the flexibility to choose between two program options: a managed workwear program or a direct purchase option. Through the managed program with Cintas, uniforms are professionally cleaned, inspected, and repaired or replaced as needed, ensuring technicians always have crisp, clean apparel ready for work.

“Our work together represents our commitment to providing our customers with apparel that works as hard as they do,” said Todd Schneider, president and CEO, Cintas. “We’re proud to leverage our nationwide footprint and operational excellence to simplify how Ford dealerships ensure their technicians are Ready for the Workday.”

Super Duty Carhartt Truck

In addition, the partnership between the two companies will include new merchandise and a new 2027 Super Duty Carhartt truck, coming later this year. This collaboration explores the intersection of heritage workwear and automotive craftsmanship, uncovering shared values of durability, innovation, and local pride.

The inspiration for many of the details of the vehicle came after Ford designers visited the Carhartt store in downtown Detroit last year, gaining insights into the different textures, colors and functionality of Carhartt products including wheels inspired by the Detroit manhole covers outside their store.

"Carhartt's DNA is all about hardworking people, doing incredible things with their rugged apparel, which is as necessary as the tools they use — just like our trucks serve builders as tools for their trade," explained Tyler Hill, senior manager, Ford Global Licensing.

The 2027 Super Duty Carhartt truck will be available later this year. More details, including the truck, will be revealed in the coming months.

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Elizabeth Kraft is a senior communications manager at Ford Pro.