SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — October 1, 2025 — Governor Jenniffer González Colón and Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) Sebastián Negrón Reichard announced that Bethel Protective Systems, LLC, a U.S.-based textile manufacturer, will relocate part of its New Jersey operations to Barceloneta. The company will invest $8 million in a new facility at the Palmas Altas Industrial Park, creating 400 new jobs over the next two years.
At the Barceloneta plant, Bethel will design, sew, and produce protective uniforms for military and commercial use, primarily serving federal defense and security agencies.
Puerto Rico: A Strategic Hub for Military Textile Manufacturing
“The military clothing manufacturing sector has strategic relevance given our nation’s defense needs,” said Governor González Colón. “Puerto Rico’s decades of experience in military garment production have earned it a reputation for quality and reliability. This investment diversifies our industrial base, creates jobs, and positions Puerto Rico as a strategic hub for textile manufacturing under the ‘Made in USA’ seal.”
Governor González added that Bethel’s decision followed six years of interest in Puerto Rico, secured through the administration’s Executive Concierge and reshoring strategy (Executive Order 2025-012).
$10 Million Annual Payroll, Federal Supply Chain Strengthened
“With this new textile facility, Puerto Rico reaffirms its competitiveness as a federal supplier,” said DDEC Secretary Sebastián Negrón. “The company’s multimillion-dollar investment in machinery, equipment, and infrastructure will generate 400 jobs with an annual payroll of $10 million. Long-term, Bethel plans to expand even further, boosting supply security for the U.S. at a time of heightened global geopolitical challenges.”
Negrón also noted that the administration’s reshoring efforts have so far generated $274 million in investments and 2,186 jobs. DDEC will support Bethel with $1.8 million in incentives for job creation, machinery, and infrastructure.
Federal Contracts and Advanced Technology Coming to Puerto Rico
Christopher Kim, President of Bethel Protective Systems, highlighted the company’s long-term growth plans:
“Bethel has chosen Barceloneta to build a new manufacturing facility for advanced protective clothing for the Department of Defense. With the support of Puerto Rico’s government and local leaders, we project 400 jobs in two years and anticipate even more growth. These positions will play a critical role in enhancing the safety of our armed forces.”
Bethel currently holds $900 million in federal contracts over the next eight years and a $17 million federal grant for advanced manufacturing innovations, including next-generation bulletproof vests, automation, and laser cutting—technology that will be implemented at the new Puerto Rico facility.
Local and National Impact
“This investment creates quality jobs and maximizes the use of our industrial properties,” said Roberto Lefranc, Executive Director of PRIDCO, noting that Bethel will lease a 34,926 sq. ft. facility.
Ella Woger Nieves, CEO of Invest Puerto Rico, added:
“The arrival of Bethel Protective Systems demonstrates Puerto Rico’s growing role in the defense sector. Our status as a U.S. jurisdiction, combined with decades of manufacturing expertise and a highly skilled workforce, gives us a strategic edge in strengthening national security supply chains.”
About Bethel Protective Systems
Founded in 1992, Bethel Industries is a New Jersey-based manufacturer of tactical and protective apparel. The company has quadrupled revenues since 2010, recorded profitability for 20 consecutive years, and employs more than 500 operators. Bethel is a strategic supplier to the U.S. Department of Defense and federal security agencies, producing advanced uniforms and protective equipment.
