Osprey adding headquarters jobs

Osprey Packs announced Feb. 10 its plans to expand the company's headquarters in Cortez, a move that will create 14 new jobs.

The corporate headquarters, slated to open in the second half of 2015, will offer "a creative work environment for Osprey Team members and allow for continued company growth," according to a company press release.

The jobs will include increases to the sales, marketing, quality and returns and IT departments, the company said.

"This is an exciting time for Osprey," said Tom Barney, CEO of Osprey Packs.

"We just concluded our 40th anniversary year, where we enjoyed double-digit sales growth and started several important initiatives, including expanding to our new distribution facility in Ogden and a further commitment to Cortez as our world headquarters," he said.

Barney said 2015 "will surely be a year of opportunity and growth for the brand. Opening a new distribution center allows us to better serve our customers, but our primary home remains in Southwest Colorado around our Cortez main offices."

Osprey previously was based in Dolores.

Osprey said the distribution center in Ogden positions Osprey near the national rail network, allowing it to fulfill shipments to its retail base and reduce its carbon footprint. The company currently receives and distributes by trucks.

The Ogden center is set to open in April with a staff of 23.