Baffin Inc. is trekking into unknown territory
The Stoney Creek-based company is ready for a change with Canada Goose
The well-known footwear company was purchased Nov. 1 by the luxury apparel company Canada Goose for $32.5 million. Baffin Inc., located on Arvin Avenue, will remain a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canada Goose and continue to operate as separate company in Stoney Creek.
“I am very excited by this step in our evolution,” stated Paul Huber, president of Baffin Inc. “In joining the Canada Goose family we could not be in better hands and I look forward to leading the business under their ownership as we realize the full potential of the Baffin brand.”
Huber created Baffin in 1976, and the company has become synonymous with industrial workers and cold-weather enthusiasts. It is a recognized leader in technically advanced, high-quality products for work and trekking in the world’s most challenging climates.
Baffin employs about 80 people and sells its products throughout Canada and the United States.
Dani Reiss, president and chief executive officer for Canada Goose, stated Baffin will provide “valuable infrastructure and know-how to start exploring the exciting global footwear category. This strategic and long-term investment is an important first step in Canada Goose’s footwear journey.”
It is not expected Canada Goose’s purchase will have a “material” impact on fiscal 2019 results.
Canada Goose, founded in 1957, has expanded rapidly in recent years including taking the company public, opening retail stores abroad and adding knitwear and rainwear to its product line.
The company opened its third manufacturing facility in Winnipeg in September, creating more than 700 new jobs over the next three years where it already employs over 1,000 people in the city.
Canada Goose sells its products in more than 38 companies. There is also a push on by the company to open up to 20 new retail stores by 2020 around the world.
In 2013 Baffin Inc. revamped its leased Arvin Avenue location, and relocating its Burford Road warehousing next door to its manufacturing operation.
Renovations at its Arvin Avenue facility included expanding storage space and delivery bays to about 130,000 square feet.
Other improvements that were made to the building included environmental upgrades, such as an energy-efficient HVAC system, energy-saving lighting and the installation of about 500 solar panels.
Baffin is only one of two companies that still manufacture boots and shoes in Canada, thriving through innovation, investing in technology and exporting to such diverse countries as Russia, Germany and other European markets.
The company makes about 140 styles of boots, from industrial — which is about 65 per cent of their business — to cold-weather footwear that can endure 100 degree temperatures in the South and North poles, arduous hiking in Nepal and monsoons in India.
Baffin has also expanded into other apparel from socks and slippers to jackets for adults and children.