[Writer’s Name]
Unicor is a critical part of the Bureau of Prison’s painstaking endeavors to reduce the number of offender reentries in prison. Unicor is the trade name given to Federal Prison Industries, or FPI. Its mission is to provide training pertaining to job skills to the maximum number of inmates in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Provision of this training allows inmates to find jobs when they leave prison, and that curtails the chances of habitual relapse into crime. This, in turn, brings down the cost of corrections which have risen considerably over time.
Unicor works with a vision to reduce crime, protect the society, assist is making prisons more secure and reduce the taxpayer’s burden by equipping inmates with the necessary skills to enter the society as a changed and contributing individual. It provides job opportunities and skills to inmates through production of quality goods and provision of services, which are priced in parity to market. The impact on private industry and labor is tried to be kept at a minimum.
Unicor was founded in 1934 for employment of prisoners. Its creation was authorized by a statute in June 1934 and was created by executive order issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in December 1934. When the federal prison system was created in the first decade of 20th century, some factories were constructed inside them to produce products needed by the federal government. Labor organizations were protesting against the bad conditions in these factories where inmates had to work and also because they were taking away jobs from law-abiding citizens. The 1930s Depressions crystalized the debate. Then Unicor was created for what it stands today, while making sure of diversification in prison shops so that no industry gets affected. Sale of these products was prohibited in the commercial market.
Unicor has three strategic goals: i) provide job training opportunities in order to transform them into law-abiding citizens once they leave prison; ii) ensure that the corporation remains self-sustaining financially; iii) prepare its staff to take positions of greater responsibility through the provision of development opportunities and quality training.
Unicor is divided into seven different business groups, each headed by a General Manager. These business groups include: Clothing and Textiles Business Group; Electronics Business Group; Fleet and Training Site Solutions and Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT); Industrial Products Business Group; Office Furniture Business Group; Recycling Activities Business Group and Services Business Group.
Within each group the inmates make and sell the following products and services:
- Clothing and Textiles: In this group, the inmates produce law enforcement, military, medical and institutional apparel, Customized Drapes and Curtains, Mattresses, Linens, Bedding and Towels, and Screen Printing and Embroidery.
- Electronics: Within this group, there are Interior and Exterior Task Lighting Systems; Circuit Boards And Wire Harness Assemblies; Electrical Connectors and Components, and Electrical Cables (both Cord and Braided Assemblies).
- Fleet and Training site solutions and MOUT: This includes refurbished and remanufactured equipment/vehicles and components; vehicle up fit and de-retro services, and fleet management customized services and programs/turnkey.
- Industrial Products: For industrial requirements, the inmates manufacture metal quarters furniture; industrial mezzanines, racking catwalks and shelving; custom made industrial products, storage cabinets, lockers; eyewear: safety and prescription; security, perimeter, temporary and permanent fencing; filtration products; awards, promotional gifts and license plates; interior and exterior architectural, safety and recreational signs; custom engraving and printing.
- Office Furniture: This business group produces office furnishings and accessories; seating; case goods and training table products; office systems products; filing and storage products, and packaged office solutions/turnkey.
- Recycling Activities are conducted for electronic and regular needs.
- Services: Inmates are trained to perform services like distribution and order fulfillment; assembly, packing and services; document conversion; call center and help desk support; printing and creative design services, and laundry services.
Buying from Unicor has long-lasting benefits. Its reduces government expenditure; promotes health and viability of communities; improves safety of public; and provides an opportunity for inmates to make something out of their lives when they get out of prison.
It also supports small businesses and those which are owned by minorities or need financial help. Unicor does this by donating 50% of their earnings to these disadvantaged firms.
Unicor employs only the most ethical and highest standards of business practices, as a part of Department of Justice.
With 75 years of experience in the trade, Unicor knows what it’s doing. They enable the inmates to produce quality products and excellent services which contribute to the nation’s economy. Unicor works with the SAP manufacturing system and conducts rigorous testing before rolling out their products for sale. The products meet and sometimes, even exceed industry standards and this is because of use of ISO 9001:2000 certified factories and lean six sigma processes which are meant to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction, and also by reducing waste.
Unicor has manufacturing facilities and support offices nationwide which help in good communicaton, order tracking and transportation logistics. This enables them to meet demands from all over the country with a good turnaround time.
