Ruffwear is partnering with OIA, a third party logistics provider in Portland, Ore, to warehouse and distribute its worldwide inventory and assist with the brand’s anticipated growth during the next five to 10 years. Ruffwear, a 20-plus year veteran in the outdoor and pet market that employs 23 in Bend, Ore., has nearly doubled revenue since it moved into its new location on Lolo Dr. in Bend in 2013.
“When we purchased the 20,000-square-foot building in 2013, we expected the space to suit us for five to seven 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 US and abroad,” said Will Blount, Ruffwear’s 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, a third party logistics provider in Portland, 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 3 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 4 more full-time employees in 2016 in response to projected growth.
