how many employees does columbia sportswear have in portland or
Columbia Sportswear is one of the leading American outdoor apparel companies that have been around since 1938. Over the years, Columbia Sportswear has expanded globally, with their products being sold in over 100 countries. The company prides itself on being committed to providing quality outdoor gear to their customers. However, like any other company, understanding their workforce is essential in analyzing its growth and sustainability. In this article, we will discuss how many employees Columbia Sportswear has in Portland, OR.
Columbia Sportswear's History:
Columbia Sportswear was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom, a German immigrant, and his wife Marie. At the time, it was mainly a hat distribution company that specialized in fishing-inspired headwear. Over the years, Columbia has expanded its product line to include a range of outdoor gear, from apparel to footwear and accessories, and has grown into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. Columbia Sportswear has over 8000 employees in 14 countries worldwide, with the majority working at Providence, Portland.
Columbia Sportswear's Employees:
As of 2020, Columbia Sportswear has around 5000 employees in the United States, with the majority of them based in Portland, Oregon. Columbia Sportswear has its headquarters in Cedar Mill, an unincorporated community in Washington County, near Portland. There are several manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and offices located in the Portland metropolitan area, which amounts to a significant percentage of the companys workforce.
Columbia Sportswear's Workforce Diversity:
The company has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. According to the companys website, Columbia Sportswear values its employees unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and that their innovation and success depend on fostering an inclusive environment. The companys senior leadership is also diverse, with women occupying 50% of executive positions, which is higher than the industry average. Columbia Sportswears diversity efforts have been recognized by various organizations, including Forbes, which named the company in its Best Employers for Diversity list for 2021.
Columbia Sportswear's COVID-19 Response:
Like many companies worldwide, Columbia Sportswear has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the company announced various measures to tackle the pandemic's impact, including the temporary closure of its retail stores, reducing non-essential expenses, and furloughing some of its employees. However, the company continued to pay for its employees' health care during this difficult time.
Going Forward:
Columbia Sportswear continues to thrive as one of the leading outdoor apparel companies globally. Although it has faced challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has adapted to the situation and implemented measures to mitigate the impact. There are no signs of Columbia Sportswear slowing down in the future, and it remains to be a significant employer in the Portland metropolitan area.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Columbia Sportswear has over 5000 employees in the United States, with a significant percentage of them based in Portland, Oregon. The company prides itself on being committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and this has been recognized by various organizations. Additionally, the company has implemented measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Columbia Sportswear continues to thrive as one of the leading outdoor apparel companies globally.
