North Ridge opens

Paul McLaughlin, former factory manager of the Outdoor Group, has opened a new backpack and gear bag manufacturing plant in Cape Town, named North Ridge. McLaughlin worked with Gerard Maisels, owner of the Outdoor Group, for many years, manufacturing products under the Sunhopper, Karrimor and Outdoor Group labels. For most of the time he was in charge of running the factory. All staff members at his new factory come from the Outdoor Group. He will not only manufacture under his own North Ridge brand name, but will also make bags for other brands.