PRESS CONTACT:
Amy Schumann | Marketing Communications
t: 406.922.0380
e: amy@WestPawDesign.com
WEST PAW DESIGN CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF MANUFACTURING ECO-FRIENDLY PET PRODUCTS
- August 2016 Marks 20 Year Anniversary -
[BOZEMAN, MONTANA - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE] — This August, Bozeman, Montana-based West Paw Design, will celebrate 20 years of manufacturing pet products for dogs and cats. Since 1996, they have successfully done what many thought would be impossible — design and handcraft eco-friendly pet products – in Montana.
Looking back on 20 years of work, I'm most excited about the growth I've seen in our people. From sewing skills to individual leadership, the team here has flourished in whatever task they have taken on.” - Spencer Williams
THE EARLY YEARS
In August 1996, 23 year old Spencer Williams bought Pet Pals, a small company based in Livingston, MT that handcrafted fabric toys. “The quality and craftsmanship that went into these toys was incredible and so it was a perfect combination of fulfilling my desire to get into manufacturing in the United States while making people and their pets happy.” - Spencer Williams, West Paw Design, Owner and Founder.
So with less than five full-time employees, Spencer set out to make the highest quality and safest pet products, and twenty years later he has done just that, plus a whole lot more . . .
MANUFACTURING MATTERS
During the late 1990’s, many US manufacturers began moving overseas. However, by focusing on a quadruple bottom line: People, Pets, Planet and Profits, West Paw Design continued to flourish and do what many said could not be done anymore - successfully manufacture in the US.
“By deciding to stay in the US, we risked a lot but we knew we made a superior product, and employed amazing employees, so we never had any thoughts about leaving.” - Spencer Williams
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
For 20 years, West Paw Design has grown into a world-class manufacturer currently employing over 70 people and is now sold in over 30 countries. What sets the company apart? “it’s the people driven culture,” continues Williams.
To keep business management in line with our values, we ask ourselves the following questions:
- What makes us the kind of company people would like to buy products from?
- What makes us the kind of company that potential employees seek out as a place to work?
THE PLANET, PETS and PARTNERS
West Paw Design is founded around a vision that business success will be friendly to both people and the planet. Since they started using certified organic catnip in their toys in 1996, they have built an unprecedented product line which incorporates sustainable materials while running their entire operation using sustainable practices.
However, West Paw Design would not be the small but mighty US manufacturer it is today without their amazing partners who have supported them over the years.
"As West Paw Design celebrates our 20th year in business, we want to acknowledge and thank all of our retail partners for supporting us by continuing to buy American-made pet products.” - Spencer Williams
RECENT RECOGNITIONS and CERTIFICATIONS
West Paw Design continues to win countless awards for their products and company culture in addition to accolades from pet lovers around the world.
- 2016: Forbes Magazine named West Paw Design “one of America’s Best Small Companies”.
- 2015: West Paw Design became Montana’s first Benefit Corporation.
- 2014 and 2015: West Paw Design was nominated by its employees (and won!), the best place to work in Montana two years in a row.
- 2013: West Paw Design became a certified B Corporation and a founding member of the Pet Sustainability Coalition.
For additional information about West Paw Design please visit us at www.WestPawDesign.com. To schedule an interview with Spencer Williams, please contact Amy Schumann.
About West Paw Design:
Since 1996, West Paw Design has manufactured safe, durable and eco-friendly pet toys and beds in Montana. Using recycled, organic and recyclable materials, West Paw Design continually incorporates eco-friendly strategies into its manufacturing process. In 2016, West Paw Design was named one of America’s Best Small Companies by Forbes magazine. West Paw Design is a founding member of the Pet Industry Sustainability Coalition, a certified B Corporation and the first Montana Benefit Corporation.
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