GEAR AID, a manufacturer long synonymous with outdoor adventure, has been awarded Innovator of the Year in the 2017 Washington Manufacturing Awards by Seattle Business Magazine. Selected by a panel of seven judges, GEAR AID was presented with the Gold Award at the business magazine’s annual award ceremony due to it’s demonstrated commitments to innovation, leading-edge business practices and creating value for consumers.
GEAR AID is rooted in innovation and lean manufacturing, and continues to develop new solutions that improve goods and manufacturing today. Recent investments in materials, equipment, and technology have allowed the company to streamline processes, increase capacity, and create new opportunities. “It is an honor to be recognized as one of several legacy manufacturers in Washington,” says Liz Mathias, COO, “we applaud the achievements of the people we employ, and are committed to a future of growth where innovation can thrive.”
GEAR AID is a team of less than 50 employees who were instrumental in launching new Tenacious Tape products, knives, portable LED lights and accessories, and is currently undergoing a major rebrand. “Change and innovation is in our DNA,” says Cheriss Faiola, marketing and PR manager. “In the last three years, we’ve pushed the brand into new events, markets, partners, media, distribution channels, and manufacturing processes. This was a team effort, and we’ve got a winning team.”
Under new ownership and leadership, GEAR AID has an exciting future ahead. In 2018, Clark Campbell, president of GEAR AID, will continue to rollout the new GEAR AID brand, and with it, continued innovation in product, design, and manufacturing.
Additional 2017 Washington Manufacturing Award winners include AeroGo Inc., Aeroforge, AccraFab Inc, Vaupell, Aero Precision, Yakima Chief – Hopunion, No-Li Brewhouse, Sterlitech, Key Compounding Pharmacy, Canyon Creek Cabinet Company, EZ-Access, Feed Commodities, Composite Recycling Technology Center, Skills Inc., and Portco Packaging.