With every stitch, Organic Climbing is creating one of a kind rock climbing gear and accessories designed by its customers.
Owner Josh Helke said with one tool, they’ve mastered modern manufacturing.
“You can, by using the internet still run a really successful business,” Helke said.
He receives orders online, then his staff crafts the made-to-order product; usually the very same day.
Currently, Helke oversees 16 employees and his main facility has been in Philipsurg since 2010.
“And there’s a lot of very skilled employees here that we currently hire and there’s a lot of other people with the skills to be hired as we grow in the future,” Helke said.
Which is very soon.
On Thursday a business loan was approved for a bigger facility right down the street.
The $1.6 million project will house all of Organic Climbing’s production, and take on at least 5 new employees.
Stephen Weaver, Production Manager for Organic Climbing, said he’s happy the new facility will stay in Centre County.
“We can really keep our roots here and the community can continue to be proud of us and then see just how much we’re growing and hopefully be able to influence more growth in the area,” Weaver said.
Weaver said keeping it local support hard working, passionate people.
“It’s not just piece work. It’s something that we’re putting our heart and soul into,” Weaver said.
“A human being is sitting there, and cutting and sewing that out. It really gives a lot of credit to the people with those skills who are still doing that,” Helke said.
The goal is to break ground for the new manufacturing facility later this fall.