Two Bradford companies have merged to create what is thought to be the country's first workplace clothing design, manufacturing and laundry business.

Initial wear4work has been formed from Initial Garment Manufacturing, specialist suppliers of work clothing and uniforms, and Initial Garment Services, a leader in clothing rental and laundry services.

Both were already part of the multinational Rentokil Initial but had operated from separate sites in Bradford. The new company will employ 300 people still based on two sites, but that number is expected to grow as the business expands.

Stuart Cross, managing director of Initial wear4work, said: "It makes sense to offer customers all our services from one source as their needs are likely to include professional laundry for some items and 'self care' for others.

"We are the only people who can provide the complete corporate clothing solution from concept to doorstep."

The manufacturing business is based in Legrams Lane, Bradford, and the services section in Northside Road. Mr Cross said: "Combining the design, manufacturing and sourcing strengths of Garment Manufacturing and the laundry expertise of Garment Services provides us with an excellent fit and puts us in a very strong position within the current market."

The new business will provide clothing for all job roles and there is a design team.

The specialist laundry services will cater for clothing worn in the pharmaceutical and electronics industries and for items used in food and processing sectors.