Our Design Center is like an engineering lab. It has a full industrial shop, manufacturing tools, and washing machines; all the tools to make and break products. We believe that design is a process, not a formula or a computer drawing. It requires time and hands-on experience in real world conditions.
Arc’teryx products are inspired by and tested in our local Coast Mountains. The only way to build the right gear for this environment was to build the company here. Having our own manufacturing facility has always been part of our design process. It enable us to innovate our product and construction methodology. Solving the problems that come with producing in bulk is actually an extension of our initial question: How do we make better products?
Our aim is not to always make the lightest or the most durable products, but rather to create the best possible experience with specialized technical gear. Our designs must be functional, long lasting and deliver the highest performance possible. Achieving these solutions involves many teams and many people. Input from pattern developers, materials researchers, press operators and quality control and others, contribute input and inform the final result.
Our design process and product philosophy makes us who we are. Industry-changing ideas like the WaterTight™ zipper, thermoformed harnesses and packs, and lamination construction: these are proprietary techniques that we have developed and evolved into manufacturing processes. They make our products distinct, durable and often require custom tools, that we also develop.
BY THE NUMBERS:
• In 2021, 611 distinct products were designed and developed at the design centre
• 56,803 sq ft
• More than 250 design centre employees
