An outdoor recreation manufacturer plans to relocate its headquarters from Southern California to Grand Junction.

Goose Gear expects to finalize the move from Huntington Beach in April and begin hiring for nine new positions that range from shop laborers and machine operators to office staff. The company received tax incentives for the creation of up to 49 jobs over eight years.

Brian Fulton, founder and chief executive officer of Goose Gear, announced the selection of Grand Junction over several other locations based on quality of life and affordability. “The city’s exceptional outdoor lifestyle echoes our passion and offers strategic advantages for our business.”

Fulton also praised the assistance of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership in the site selection process and securing tax credits and other incentives. “GJEP’s incredible support has been instrumental in facilitating this transition, making Grand Junction an obvious choice for our next chapter.”

Curtis Englehart, executive director of GJEP, said he was excited to welcome the company to the Grand Valley. “Goose Gear is an industry leader in the outdoor manufacturing space, and their business is a perfect fit for our community. As we continued to meet with Goose Gear, we were inspired by their unwavering commitment to prioritize their employees’ superior quality of life in their new location. We eagerly look forward to witnessing the positive and lasting impact they will undoubtedly make on our community.”

A family-owned and operated company, Goose Gear specializes in designing and manufacturing vehicle-based storage systems and other accessories for outdoor recreation and camping.

Now in its 10th year in operation, Goose Gear traces its roots to what was founded in 1952 as Pazzulla Plastics in Huntington Beach. The company brings to its endeavors more than 60 years and four generations of expertise in laminate manufacturing.

Aislinn Fulton, who’s known as Goose and served as the inspiration behind the name Goose Gear, works with her father and provides sales and marketing support. She said she’s exciting about the

venture’s new headquarters.

“Embracing Grand Junction for Goose Gear’s decade milestone feels like launching into a grand adventure,” she said. “The spirit of the mountains aligns perfectly with our ethos, and I’m thrilled to contribute to our next chapter of exploration and growth.”

After additional growth and unprecedented sales in 2023, Goose Gear set its sights on new markets and additional segments, including international distribution, vehicle-specific products and contracts for public safety equipment.

But a lack of affordable industrial space in southern California presented a barrier to expansion.

Goose Gear considered several locations as a new home for its headquarters, including Grand Junction. The company worked with GJEP on the site selection process, including real estate, workforce development and available incentives.

In partnership with GJEP, Goose Gear received a job growth tax incentive through the Colorado Economic Development Commission for the creation of up to 49 new jobs over an eight-year period. The incentive is worth up to nearly $536,000.

The incentive provides businesses with a Colorado income tax credit equal to 50 percent of Federal Insurance Contributions Act tax paid by the business per net new job for each calendar year.

GJEP and Industrial Development Inc., a sister organization of the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, awarded Goose Gear an additional $55,000 to help offset relocation costs, including the transportation of manufacturing equipment.

For additional information about Goose Gear and its products, visit www.goose-gear.com.