Dan Bruton, co-founder of New Growth tells us what it’s like to make products locally.
Is there any history behind the company that you would like to mention?
New Growth Clothing was founded by myself and Derek Bruton. We started four years ago, when my brother Derek blew his knee out skiing. I bought a small screen press to keep him busy around the house. With that press, in a room of my house, we began printing shirts for our friends which led to Derek learning graphic design. Once we had learned how to screen print and make graphics, the next step was making a clothing line. That’s when the idea for New Growth Clothing came about.
What is the mission statement of your company?
Maintaining a firm belief in eco-friendly and highly sustainable products of the highest quality, New Growth Clothing strives to bring new, innovative goods and designs in both a socially and environmentally ethical manner. Support local, pride over profits.
Where did the idea for this product/company come from?
Growing up in Bend, my brother and I were constantly outdoors skiing, skateboarding, camping and fishing. We grew up with a love for experiencing nature and everything it has to offer us. This respect for our surroundings led us to create New Growth Clothing. We were tired of printing on clothing made in other countries without any pride or integrity which also led to poor quality products. So we decided to manufacture all of our garments out of sustainable materials here in Oregon.
What does making a product in Central Oregon or Oregon mean to you?
We take great pride in making our clothing here in central Oregon. Being raised in Bend we have a great love for our community as well as the active outdoor lifestyles many of us live. So we feel it’s necessary to do what we can to be as sustainable as possible to leave less of a footprint here in Oregon. Being a Bend native running a business we also feel the need to give jobs to other locals and friends that believe in what we are trying to accomplish.
Tell me about the Utility Jacket…
We released our Kickstarter campaign two weeks ago for the first Eco-Friendly Waterproof Technical Jacket made here in Oregon. It’s been quite a wild ride so far and we are currently 53 percent funded and have 14 days to go before our goal must be met. Were currently at $18,000 and we need to hit $35,000 to reach our goal and begin the production of this amazing jacket. You can check the Utility Jacket out or contribute at bit.ly/newgrowthclothing.
We will also be releasing our new winter line after the Kickstarter campaign is done so don’t forget to check that out www.newgrowthclothing.com.
What sets New Growth apart from similar companies?
Making our products here in the U.S. and specifically Bend Oregon sets us apart from nearly every other clothing company, from Patagonia to Nike or North Face; there are so few companies still making their products here in the US. I believe the figure stands at just three percent of our clothing is made here in America, and that’s what we are out to change. Let’s take pride in the quality of products we can make here locally while supplying good safe jobs for people in the community. Aside from making our products locally we strive to keep everything as sustainable as possible by using eco-friendly and recycled materials like wool, recycled polyester, bamboo and organic cotton.
(Photo above | Courtesy of New Growth)
