We make stuff!

October 23, 2014

The City of Carlsbad has made a name for itself as a pivotal part of the third largest hub of life sciences companies in the nation, but did you know that Carlsbad is more than a center for bioscience and drug discovery? Our businesses make stuff here you use every day in your home or have seen on TV, and it’s time to recognize the innovation.

Callaway Golf, TaylorMade Golf Company, Cobra and Acushnet Company (Titleist-FootJoy) manufacture high-end golf clubs, and Polara Golf produces golf balls. Z Customization embroiders custom emblems on bags for most PGA Golf events, and for celebrities as well, producing more than 50,000 made-to-order units a month.

Carlsbad is also home to the action sports industry whose firms produce a wide variety of footwear for an active lifestyle. Skaters, surfers and BMX bikers enjoy wearing Osiris Shoes, New Balance Numeric and Macbeth Footwear, but a luxury shoe wearer might favor Gourmet Footwear. And for those who prefer the simple sandal, it’s likely they’re wearing REEF. If your feet require a bit more support, Good Feet ships its arch supports to retailers from its Carlsbad headquarters.

And ascending above the ankles, athletes choose products manufactured by Carlsbad companies like SKLZ, 2XU, SockGuy and Bata Baseball to improve their performance when pushing their bodies to the limit. And nothing gives you air time like Expedition Skateboards and the numerous brands from Black Box Distribution.

With the ocean as a convenient testing ground, it’s natural that surfboard manufacturers would locate here. SUPERbrand, Firewire and INT all manufacture surfboards in Carlsbad. And if you prefer to stay upright and paddle, Boardworks Surf has added a paddleboard to its product line. Wax Research manufactures Sticky Bumps and Munkey Wax to help surfers get a good grip, and its WEND wax is the official choice of the U.S. Snowboarding and Ski teams. All are made right here in Carlsbad.

And if all that activity results in injury, Breg makes braces for your aching joints, while S.E.G-WAY Orthopaedics manufactures endoscopic tools for carpal tunnel and plantar fasciitis.

If you or your child has been outfitted with dental braces or orthodontic implants, they were likely manufactured at Henry Schein Orthodontics or Zimmer Dental, both located in Carlsbad.

Chances are your family plays video or board games, and if you do you very likely have a Carlsbad product on your shelf or in your game console or computer. USAopoly, Inc. has created a line of specialty-themed Monopoly games for board game fans. And when it comes to video games and equipment, Rockstar Games, Razer, Buzztime, High Moon Studios, Playdek, Inc., Appy Entertainment, Snappy Touch, Hammerhead Games and Zynga all reside in Carlsbad and have probably taken up residence on your computer, game console or mobile device.

Carlsbad also is home to a number of gourmet food and beverage producers. Mamma Chia, Mellace Family Brands, Chuao Chocolatier, Ki’s Kitchen, Carlsbad Aquafarm and Pizza Port all produce specialty foods found at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Costco Wholesale and other retailers, or at local restaurants.

So grab your SPY Optic sunglasses and head out to go for a ride knowing something you’re wearing is produced right here in your back yard.