(Photo above courtesy of Ruffwear)
Bend-based Ruffwear, a leader in performance dog gear, will be partnering with OIA, a third party logistics provider in Portland, Oregon, to warehouse and distribute its worldwide inventory and assist with the brand’s anticipated growth over the next 5-10 years.
Ruffwear, a twenty-plus year veteran and leader in the outdoor and pet market that employs 23 in Bend, has experienced rapid growth over the past three years, nearly doubling in revenue since it moved into its new location on Lolo Dr. in Bend in 2013.
“When we purchased the 20,000 sq.ft. building in 2013, we expected the space to suit us for 5-7 years based on our forecasted growth. At year three, we are at capacity with our inventory and will outgrow the facility in 2016,” said Young Joen, director of product commercialization for Ruffwear.
“Demand for Ruffwear products has been strong both in the U.S. and abroad,” said Will Blount, Ruffwear president. “Today’s announcement marks our steady commitment to groundbreaking product design, sustainable growth and increased operational efficiency of Ruffwear as a market leading company.”
Young and the team at Ruffwear spent months researching all possible solutions—from existing available properties in Central Oregon, to building new in Bend, to third party logistics providers throughout Oregon and Seattle. Considering costs, logistics, maintaining workforce and finding a service that worked as well or better than current systems in place, OIA was identified as the best solution due to their leadership in global supply chain capabilities.
“Partnering with OIA will give us the space and services we need now and will enable us to grow as demand continues to increase,” said Young.
The move to OIA is scheduled for April 2016. Ruffwear currently employs three full-time and 5-10 seasonal, temporary staff to work in its distribution center. Two of the three full-time employees will transition into new roles at the company. The brand also expects to hire up to four more full-time employees in 2016 in response to projected growth.
Ruffwear’s mission is to build performance dog gear to enhance and inspire exploration for outdoor adventurers and their human companions. Ruffwear Performance Dog Gear combines technology, quality, fit, function, and safety to facilitate its belief that -Every dog is an explorer.
Ruffwear is committed to enhancing the lives of all dogs and their human companions through relationships with Best Friends Animal Society and The Conservation Alliance. Through its Ruff Adventure Dog adoption program with Best Friends, Ruffwear covers the cost of adoption fees and travel expenses for newly adopted dogs from their Kanab, Utah Sanctuary, as well as a new Ruffwear collar and leash to go home with. By protecting wild places for their habitat and recreation values through membership in The Conservation Alliance, Ruffwear works to ensure there are plenty of wild, open spaces for dogs and their humans to enjoy together.
Based in Bend, Oregon, USA, Ruffwear sells their products through specialty pet and outdoor retailers as well as at www.ruffwear.com.
