When Dana Gleason launched Mystery Ranch in 2000, he began to bring production back to the US in order to regain control. Quickly, he began to realize that military and firefighters were more demanding of their equipment than the average user. One thing Dana loves is a challenge and that’s why you saw such a focus at MR on the Soldier. Dana related to me that the more he worked with them, the more deserving he felt they were as customers.
Mystery Ranch has dedicated production at historic Clark Field, Republic of the Philippines to produce packs and other products for those customers who do not require full Berry Compliance such as international clients. For example, the Australian Army issues packs made at Clark Field. The Philippines have long been a US Ally and the production facility has certainly risen to the challenge of manufacturing military grade packs. One challenge that exists is that the gear must be interchangeable no matter where it is produced. For example, a country may purchase some packs produced at Clark Field directly from MR and then purchase additional packs through FMS that are made in Montana. They have to be completely compatible with interchangeable parts and MR works hard to ensure this capability.
While most of the materials are Made in USA, this new offshore production opens some new opportunities. For example, some materials are not available in the US. Not only can they bemused in the production of these foreign produced packs but it can serve as an opportunity to identify new technologies to bring back into the US. Although, it’s important to note that all special projects remain at the home office.
Most importantly, none of this would be possible if MR hadn’t spent several years perfecting the quality standards and controls to produce consistently in multiple locations. Ranchers are on location at all MR production facilities both in the US as well as at Clark Field to provide a guiding hand in all aspects of production. For you the customer, it won’t matter where your pack was built so long as it came from Mystery Ranch.
This new, additional Mystery Ranch production seems to be a big hit at this international show. Already, MR packs have been adopted by a wide variety of international SOF and general purpose forces customers. Remember, this in no way affects US production which remains full speed ahead. Rather, this Philippine production move has made Mystery Ranch competitive for international tenders.
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