Williston, VT – Garmont North America today announced the alpine touring and telemark ski boot manufacturer’s relocation of its North American headquarters from this suburb of Burlington, Vt., to Portland, Ore.
The goal of the relocation is to elevate the brand’s profile in the North American outdoor market, and to tap into the strategic benefits of proximity to other brands and retailers in the region, says the company’s new chief.
“Garmont is a vibrant and healthy company, with an unmatched historical reputation for both performance and innovation,” said David Fee, president of Garmont. “This move will reposition the brand in the North American market, elevating both the company and the product to a new level of success.”
A 15-year veteran of sales, marketing, product and strategic planning with strong global
brands, Fee comes to Garmont from his role as senior director of North American sales
at Yakima Products, Inc. Fee also worked for Yakima as the senior director of market &
product development; for Ford Motor Company in various marketing, sales and product management positions; and at NIKE Inc. as director of sports marketing and media for the NIKE World Masters Games.
The company’s move to Oregon will begin immediately and will be completed prior to the end of 2011. All Garmont N.A. operations will be relocated, including their distributed brands of Bridgedale socks and Life-Link backcountry equipment.
Garmont is also announcing the promotion of Joshua Gibbs to Vice President of Sales and Patrick O’Neil to Chief Operating Officer. Both Gibbs and O’Neil will relocate with Garmont to Portland.
“This is an exciting new chapter for the Garmont brand, as the move will bring Garmont in closer contact with the outdoor market in ways that can best satisfy North American needs,” said Achille Morlin, Owner and President of Garmont SRL.
Based in northern Italy, in the picturesque foothills of Volpago del Montello, Garmont’s roots date back to 1867. For five generations, the Morlin family has designed and built technical boots inspired by the rocky terrain of the Dolomites.
The historic Garmont brand was relaunched in 1991 by Calzaturificio Morlin as a four-season technical footwear and ski boot brand. Garmont North America was founded in 1996.
Garmont’s decision to relocate was an extensive, deliberate process, and included evaluation of several possible regions with similar character to the brand’s northern Italian base.
Portland’s progressive business climate, proximity to footwear industry giants and innovators, and year-round access to world-class hiking, climbing and skiing destinations made it an ideal match, company officials say. Garmont is working with the Portland Development Commission to identify and implement the resources required for a successful transition.