Berghaus, part of the Pentland Brands group of companies, is making a major investment in its product and innovation team in order to support the brand’s long-term growth strategy and boost speed to market.
Berghaus says the investment will include a new ‘Sprint Team’ that will work more effectively with retail partners and bring certain lines to the market quicker than through the standard process. The team will build on the brand’s Extrem range and expand its outdoor lifestyle offer.
As a result, Berghaus is now recruiting to 11 new roles that will be based at the Pentland Brands North East headquarters, plus three positions in its footwear division at the Pentland Brands global headquarters in London.
The product and innovation team will be led by a head of category (for which recruitment is underway), and a head of design, to which Berghaus veteran James Hodgson has been appointed.
“Berghaus has a truly phenomenal product heritage and this brand has always been a pioneer in our sector,” says Kev McFadyen, Berghaus brand director. “We’re determined to be at the forefront of where outdoor product innovation goes next and this investment demonstrates our commitment to the industry.”
The Berghaus product development team is based in Sunderland with facilities that include a sample and cutting room, and a fully-equipped laboratory for testing the performance and durability of fabrics and components in controlled conditions. As well as on-site testing, Berghaus runs an extensive outdoor programme before launching products, involving professional testers, sponsored athletes and its own teams.
