Columbia Sportswear

Columbia Sportswear is an established in 1938 American sporting goods manufacturer. Columbia is known for its outdoor clothing and ski wear.

In 2006, Columbia have record sales of 1.29 billion dollars. Today, Columbia has more than 2,700 employees worldwide. The products are sold in 72 countries through more than 13,000 retailers.

History

Began the company's history with a dramatic escape. The Jewish textile manufacturer Paul Lamfrom recognized early the plans of the Nazis and fled from Germany in 1937. He gave his company in Augsburg, then Germany's largest shirt factory, and fled with his family to Portland, Oregon.

Once there founded Paul and Marie Lamfrom the Columbia Sportswear in 1938 as Columbia Hat Company. The small family initially produced only hats. The nearby Columbia River was the inspiration for the company name. Problems with suppliers were ultimately responsible for ensuring that the company in the production of fashion goods to fishing vests, shirts - and everything it was so in the 40s to " outdoor " Ground surrounded.

Ten years later, took over the daughter of Paul and Marie Lamfrom, Gert Boyle, the company and held the position of chief along with her husband Neal. Neal died in 1970, so that Gert and son Tim Boyle Neal got in with the management of the company. This saved Columbia Sportswear of the impending insolvency. Several new functions in the fashion of Columbia made ​​for an extreme recovery and growth of the plant.

Meanwhile includes the renowned company Sorel, Mountain Hardwear, Pacific Trail and Montrail to the Group.

Involvement in cycling

→ Main article: Team Columbia

Columbia Sportswear is sponsoring the cycling team Team Columbia. The team originated from Team Telekom (since 2003 Team T-Mobile). Columbia Sportswear began sponsoring 5 July 2008 with the launch of the team at the Tour de France 2008; it is for the time being dated for three years. Both the men's and the women's team are sponsored.