When asked to name Canadian manufacturing towns, few people will put Whistler at the top of their lists. Whistler is far better known as a destination resort than as an industrial centre.
There are, however, some products that can proudly bear the label “Made in Whistler”. Not surprisingly, these products tend to be very closely connected to the mountain culture that brings so many to this town, more specifically:bikes, boards and skis.
From breweries to bike shops, the neighbourhood of Function Junction is at the heart of manufacturing in Whistler. It is from here that many local companies have garnered international attention for their products.
North Shore Billet, founded by Chris Allen and Peter Hammons, began producing bike components in 2003, starting with a Specialized Big Hit derailleur hanger. Since moving to Whistler they have continued to manufacture all of their products in house and out of aerospace-grade aluminum on their CNC milling machines and even supply components for another popular local manufacturer, Chromag. Chromag bikes, also located in Function, designs and test their products here in Whistler and has a large and loyal following.
In 1999 Prior moved to Whistler and introduced splitboards to their selection of products. Skis followed soon after. Today, 18 years after the move, Prior continues to manufacture onsite and offers free tours of their factory in Function where curious onlookers can watch skis and boards being made.
Though the products may differ, companies that manufacture in Whistler (like NSB, Chromag and Prior) tend to have at least one thing in common: their founders, employees and customers are passionate about what they make and the place in which they make it.
Join us on February 23 for a discussion with Chris Prior on the history and development of Prior Snowboards and Skis and how design and manufacturing are influenced by location.
Doors open at 6pm, talk begins at 7pm. Tickets are $10 ($5 for museum members and Club SHRED members) and are available at the Whistler Museum.
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