Buck Knives postpones move to Post Falls

CEO says winter weather, late-year production demands will delay company’s arrival from California until 2005

Becky Kramer
Staff writer

Buck Knives is pushing back plans to open a factory in Post Falls until early 2005.

The one-year delay will give the 101-year-old maker of sport and utility knives more time for an orderly move from El Cajon, Calif., President and CEO CJ Buck said Wednesday.

"2005 was our original deadline. Then we got really excited, and wanted to fast track," he said. "Our timeline was just starting to create pressure."

Buck Knives’ relocation is expected to create about 200 new jobs in Kootenai County. When the move was announced in January, CJ Buck anticipated opening a new corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant in Post Falls by early 2004.

"But we are working within two windows — the Idaho weather window and our business window," Buck said.

Construction hasn’t yet begun on the 110,000-square-foot facility that Buck Knives will lease in Riverbend Commerce Park. In addition, the last half of the year is the busiest for the company, as it gears up to fill orders for hunting season and Christmas.

"Right now, Buck is having a very good year, and we didn’t want to interrupt that momentum," CJ Buck said. "We’re ahead of plan for sales and profits. … A strong year will put us in a nice healthy position to make the move."

Buck Knives anticipates sales exceeding $30 million this year. During the first two quarters, sales were running about 10 percent ahead of last year, CJ Buck said.

The delay also will give the company more time to sell its current building, and gives more notice to long-time employees, CJ Buck said.

"We have people who have been with us for 30 years," he said.

Buck Knives produces about 90 models of knives, which are sold by Wal-Mart, sporting goods stores and other retailers.

The company expects to spend $2 million to $3 million to relocate its facilities but anticipates saving money in the long run. In North Idaho, the plant’s electrical bill will be about 60 percent cheaper, company officials say. Labor costs also are lower.

Buck Knives has been looking for ways to trim expenses and stay competitive against Asian imports in recent years. Some changes in its manufacturing process implemented last year are already starting to pay off, CJ Buck said.

Buck Knives also was courted by economic development agencies in Spokane and Bend, Ore., before it chose Post Falls.

• Becky Kramer can be reached at (208) 765-7122 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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