Pet products from the mountain state

Bozeman in the state of Montana/USA is probably better known to the wider public as the backdrop to a movie in the Star trek series, where according to the filmmakers the first contact between aliens and humans takes place in 2063. The city of 37 000 inhabitants is known to the pet supplies business, however, on account of the company West Paw Design, which was established in 1996 and has its head office there. With a workforce numbering over 80 people, the company manufactures 98 per cent of its dog and cat accessory products in Bozeman. All of its products are made in the USA. "Owner and president Spencer Williams wanted to create products and he wanted Montanans to make them. Understanding the work ethic and culture of the Montanans, Spencer was certain their tenacity would help build a successful manufacturing company.  Employing local talent was the number one reason Spencer chose to open a manufacturing facility in Montana and it remains the reason we will always manufacture out of Montana," says Amy Schumann, who is responsible for marketing communications at West Paw Designs. But the company's employees are at the heart of its operations and not just with regard to production.  

"Employees are the ones driving the change at West Paw Design. We think this is a big part of engaging with our company strategy and the transparency of our financial reporting. One of the reasons why West Paw Design practises open book management is because this is a great way to increase involvement and inspire action." The workers at West Paw are also responsible for a number of changes: an employee in production noticed for example that the company wasn't recycling the large plastic bags the fabric rolls come in. So West Paw contacted the company that does the recycling and it now recycles the bags. "This means less garbage in the landfill, six yards less a week to be exact, and a cost saving of $1200 per year," says Amy Schumann. 
Ranges made in the USA
The high sales of the company from Montana, which now sells its products in over 2 800 US retailers and in over 28 countries, are yielded not only by such savings, but by the broad, eco-friendly product range of West Paw. The company manufactures a wide range of dog toys under the Zogoflex brand.

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