Growing Outdoor Company Stays Local, Builds new Headquarters on North Bend Way

Have you noticed a new building going up along North Bend Way, directly across from City Hall and behind Napa Auto Parts? This spring it will become the new home for a growing North Bend company – Karakoram Splitboard and Snowboard Bindings.

The company was founded by twin brothers – Bryce and Tyler Kloster – who combined their Mechanical Engineering degrees with their shared love of the mountains.

They began skiing at the age of 3; moved onto snowboarding in the late 80s; and then while in high school, began teaching snowboarding at Alpental. After college the pair planted roots in the Snoqualmie Valley and launched Karakoram in 2008.

Photo 1: Karakoram building under construction along North Bend Way. Courtesy of the City of North Bend

Currently the company is headquartered on Boalch Ave near Mt Si Sports and Fitness, but in recent years began outgrowing the space.

Bryce and Tyler began started looking at land, dreaming of building their own headquarters. They had their eyes on the North Bend Way property before the parcel went for sale – so when it did, they were quick to act.

Initially, they thought they would be limited to a more inexpensive pre-fab build, but their local architect was creative and proved a more unique, mountain modern design utilizing heavy timber was within reach.

North Bend general contractor Built NW is in charge of construction and things are proceeding on schedule. The building is approximately 13,000 square feet with office, manufacturing and warehouse space, along with a small showroom for customers. All the wood for the project is even sourced locally from Chinook Lumber.

Photo 2: Conceptual image of future Karakoram building. Courtesy of the City of North Bend

Construction is estimated to be complete in April 2021.

Bryce and Tyler both said they are thrilled to be staying in North Bend. They started here and plan to call it Karakoram’s home for the long-term.

Karakoram has approximately 15 employees and according to its website, “We love the mountains. We love creating. We love building our products in North Bend, Washington.”

For more information about Karakoram visit https://www.splitbindings.com