Gerber Gear opens new Wilsonville manufacturing hub

Gerber Gear is moving from Tigard to a new 80,000-square-foot facility in Wilsonville, with a ribbon cutting set for Nov. 3, 2026. The move keeps design and production in Oregon and expands the knife and tool maker’s manufacturing capacity as it pushes toward zero waste by 2030.

Why it matters: - Gerber Gear is keeping more of its design and manufacturing footprint in Oregon. - The move strengthens the company’s production capacity and consolidates teams under one roof. - The facility adds momentum to Oregon’s role in the knife-making industry.

What happened: - Gerber Gear is relocating from Tigard, where the company has been based since the 1960s, to a new facility in Wilsonville. - The ribbon cutting is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026. - The company was founded in 1939 and remains focused on designing and manufacturing products in Oregon. - Gerber also works with select manufacturing partners around the world for some overseas production.

The details: - The new Wilsonville site spans 80,000 square feet. - The building will house design, engineering, manufacturing and administrative teams. - Gerber invested in new manufacturing equipment for the facility. - The company says the site expands production capacity and improves workspaces. - Gerber has set a goal to be zero waste by 2030. - The current product lineup includes EDC pocketknives, fixed blade knives, multi-tools, hatchets, shovels and camp kitchen cookware. - All Gerber products carry a limited lifetime warranty, also called the Gerber Guarantee. - The company was built around knives and tools that are used by military personnel, first responders, outdoorsmen, troubleshooters and other customers.

Between the lines: - The relocation signals a bet on local manufacturing at a time when many brands spread production across multiple regions. - Bringing core functions into one building could make product development and operations easier to coordinate. - The new facility also fits Gerber’s long-running effort to brand Oregon as a center for knife making.

What's next: - Gerber will formally open the Wilsonville facility at the Nov. 3 ribbon cutting. - The company will continue designing and making products in Oregon while maintaining some overseas manufacturing partnerships. - Gerber is aiming to reach its zero-waste target by 2030.

The bottom line: - Gerber Gear is doubling down on Oregon with a larger, more modern manufacturing base that keeps its core work local while leaving room for global production support.