From Simms:
Supporting its commitment to build innovative products to connect anglers to their best days on the water, Simms is expanding its facilities in Bozeman. The new expansion will include a state of the art product design and development studio and provide additional production capacity to manufacture more products in the USA.
The company’s official Groundbreaking ceremony took place on Friday, August 28. Governor Steve Bullock joined the Simms team, emphasizing the importance of local manufacturing in the Gallatin Valley. In addition, representatives from building architects JLF of Bozeman, Prospera Business Network and American Bank were on hand for the celebration.
The expanded facility will provide critical new space for additional production/warehouse capacity in addition to the company’s product design and development offices. The company is building an additional 15,000 square feet onto its 65,000 square foot facility, which will include a third floor.
“This expansion is an important milestone in Simms’ history,” said K. C. Walsh, President of Simms. “This added space reflects our commitment to innovation and to manufacturing in Montana. Our brand is stronger than ever, and we are expanding to accommodate growth that we are seeing in the sport fishing market.”
Simms moved into their current headquarters just under three years ago and now employs almost 150 individuals. The state-of-the-art facility houses the country’s only wader manufacturing facility, warehouse and distribution, and all other corporate operations.
It has been quite a year for Simms. At the recent IFTD and ICAST fishing shows in Orlando, Florida, Simms was recognized with a total of eight best product awards, more than any other manufacturer in its industry. Earlier in the year, Simms’ pro bass angler Casey Ashley won the most coveted trophy in fishing Bassmaster Classic. Ashley credited his win in part to the performance of his Simms outerwear as the Classic saw the coldest temperatures in its history.
The company will continue all operations out of the current building with minimal impact from the building construction. Completion of the expansion is targeted for early March 2016.
About Simms Fishing Products: Established in 1980, Simms is the preeminent manufacturer of waders, outerwear and technical apparel in fishing, including expertly crafted outerwear, footwear and sportswear that gives all anglers a choice in top-end, premium products. The full line of Simms gear is available at specialty and large format retailers nationwide as well as simmsfishing.com.
