New Factory Doubles Production Capacity for Prior Snowboards

[Pat Donnelly]

From FirstTracksOnLine.com

Whistler (BC), Canada (Monday, January 12, 2004) - Whistler-based Prior Snowboards has moved to a new state-of-the-art facility in Whistler, doubling its current production capacity and positioning the company for long-term growth.

50% more factory space and a spacious new showroom “loft” increases efficiency, provides a healthier environment for staff, improves quality control and offers customers the ability to view the production process while picking out their new ride, according to company spokespeople.

“This move signifies exciting times for Prior Snowboards,” says Chris Prior, who founded the company in 1990. “We are firmly positioned in Whistler for the long term with this new space, allowing us to remain in the pockets of the riders who are out there testing their limits and our boards in the never-ending R&D process. The increased space has also helped us to streamline production with the addition of a new press and better flow between each of the production stations.”

The new press doubles the capacity of the factory eliminating the production bottleneck that existed prior to moving. Both presses are now housed in a well ventilated, sealed room, which serves to improve the product by decreasing the amount of particles in the air around the presses.

“We had simply outgrown the old space and needed to expand to meet current demand and poise ourselves for the future,” says Prior. The company spent three years in the previous facility after moving to Whistler from North Vancouver.

The new factory is already pumping out new products. A 2005 prototype called “Blowfish” has just been released in limited quantities. Featuring a wide nose and a narrower tail, this board is designed for powder conditions but still carves on hard pack like any other Prior board. The Blow Fish is available in three lengths and will also be available as a Splitboard next winter.

The new Prior factory is open daily, Monday to Friday 8am-6pm and 9am-5pm on weekends. The company has extended an open invitation for members of the public to stop by for a factory and showroom tour. The factory is located at the very end of Alpha Lake Road in Function Junction, Whistler – unit 104, 1410 Alpha Lake Road.

[lonerider]

Hey I'm going to be in Whistler in February, I would be very interested in demoing a few of their boards (especially the Blowfish). I'm taking a shuttle from the airport, is it possible to get to the factory without a car? Is there a on mountain demo area?

[Mark.Andersen]

You can ride the local buses to the Prior Factory. Alternatively FanatyCo in the village used to carry and demo Prior Freecarvers. Showcase (also in the Village) used to have Freeride Demos.