Canadian ultimate is built on community, inclusion and shared responsibility. We think those values should extend to the businesses we choose to support.
VC Ultimate was founded in Montreal in 1998. Almost 30 years later, we're still an independent, Canadian-owned apparel company, and we're proud to continue manufacturing here at home.
It's a choice we continue to make, and one that comes with some significant challenges. We think it's important for customers to understand why some apparel costs more than others and what their money is supporting, and it’s worth talking about why it matters.
THE REAL COST OF MAKING THINGS IN CANADA
First, let's talk about manufacturing costs.
On average, our cost of goods is approximately three times higher than those of competitors importing apparel from lower-cost manufacturing regions, including China. That's a massive difference in an already-competitive industry where teams are price-conscious, margins are tight, and a few dollars per jersey can make or break a deal.
We know that we could reduce our costs significantly by moving production overseas; but we choose to keep investing in Canadian manufacturing, paying Canadian wages, supporting skilled workers, and maintaining production facilities here at home.
KEEPING MANUFACTURING IN CANADA
Canada has lost a lot of its apparel manufacturing industry over the past several decades, and once that infrastructure disappears, it's incredibly difficult to rebuild. It's not just factories; it's the people who know how to make things, the skills they've developed, the equipment, the suppliers, and the opportunities for the next generation.
At VC, we're proud of the people who make our products. Their knowledge and experience are a huge part of what allows us to develop, improve and produce the gear we're known for. Keeping manufacturing in Canada means continuing to invest in those people and those skills, and making sure there's a future for this kind of work.
THINK GLOBALLY. MAKE REGIONALLY.
Our commitment to Canadian manufacturing for our North American community is part of a bigger philosophy: wherever possible, we want to make products closer to the communities they're intended for. That's why we also manufacture in Europe, supporting our European customers, teams and events.
This helps us reduce unnecessary international shipping, work more closely with our manufacturing partners, and support the regional economies where our customers live and play.
BETTER GEAR. CLOSER TO HOME.
There are practical benefits to manufacturing regionally, too. Having production close to our team means we can work directly with the people making our gear, refine patterns, improve construction, address quality issues and develop new products.
Our products have evolved through years of working with players and listening to what they actually need. Our inclusive approach to sizing and fit, our commitment to making individual replacement jerseys available without large reorder minimums, and our ongoing product development are all examples of that.
CANADIAN SPORT SHOULD SUPPORT CANADIAN COMMUNITIES
Here's where I'd like to challenge our own community a little: Canadian ultimate organizations talk a lot about community, inclusion, sustainability, and supporting the growth of our sport.
These are values we share, and they're a big part of why we've been involved in ultimate for so long. But I think we need to look at how those values translate into our purchasing decisions: when a Canadian club, league, university or national sporting organization chooses an apparel supplier, this decision has an impact beyond the uniforms arriving at a tournament.
It determines which businesses receive their investment, which manufacturing models they're supporting, and where that money ultimately goes.
If supporting Canadian communities is part of our mission, shouldn't supporting Canadian businesses be part of the conversation?
I'm not suggesting every organization needs to buy Canadian-made gear. We understand tight budgets and the importance of keeping our sport accessible.
But price shouldn't be the only consideration. Manufacturing location, working conditions, quality, sustainability and community investment should all carry weight, particularly for larger organizations making purchasing decisions on behalf of hundreds or thousands of athletes.
RESPONSIBLE MANUFACTURING IS A CHOICE
Manufacturing in Canada doesn't automatically make a product sustainable, just as manufacturing overseas doesn't make it irresponsible. But where and how something is made matters. At VC, we invest in quality construction, recycled fabrics, thoughtful product development, and responsible manufacturing partnerships. We're not perfect, but we're committed to making better choices, even when they cost more.
EVERY ORDER IS A CHOICE
We don't expect anyone to choose VC simply because we're Canadian. We want to earn your business with great products and service.
But we'd challenge Canadian ultimate organizations to put their stated values into practice when choosing apparel partners.
We'd encourage Canadian ultimate organizations to look beyond price when choosing apparel partners. Consider where and how your gear is made, who benefits from your investment, and whether those choices reflect your organization's values.
We believe Canadian sport can be a powerful force for supporting Canadian communities. That includes the businesses and people who help make our sport possible.
We're choosing to keep manufacturing in Canada, and every team that supports that commitment helps make it possible.
Thank you for being part of it,
Adriana Withers
Owner & CEO, VC Ultimate
