Composite showing PACT Satchel, Wallet, Phone Wallet, and Tablet Sleeve
Spokane, WA (PRWEB) July 21, 2014
PACT Design Collaborative announces the launch of its first collection of premium leather goods. The collection challenges long-held traditions in leathercraft by pioneering the use of laser technology to create strong functional forms without the use of thread or glue. To create each of their five products, the company adheres to a principled design aesthetic, refusing to use any material except leather. Each piece is laser-cut with sub-millimeter precision and then woven, folded, and burnished by hand. According to cofounders Darrin Griechen and Ben Delaney, these leather fabrication methods are the first of their kind.
PACT is currently raising funds via Kickstarter in order to establish a new high-tech manufacturing facility in Spokane, WA. “If our campaign is successful, we will finally be able to produce these pieces, and others, without being forced to rely on outsourcing,” stated Darrin Griechen, designer of the collection and inventor of its unique leather-only process. “We are strong proponents of the new wave of ‘Made in the USA’ products and companies, and we are excited to set-up shop in our hometown,” stated Griechen. View the campaign page by visiting kickstarter.pact.cm.
Griechen, an architecture professor, first developed his unique leathercraft techniques over 5 years ago while studying origami applications in architecture and experimenting with laser cutters. After extensive testing and refinement of his extremely precise patterns, he was encouraged by Delaney to bring his products to a wider market.
The company’s Kickstarter campaign is currently active and runs through July 31st, 2014. The $50,000 goal is intended to cover the purchase of lasers and other specialized equipment essential to their process. After a brief attempt at outsourcing their manufacturing in the past, the founders are now convinced that a fully in-house process will better enable future growth and faster development of new products. “Our designs utilize a single simple material, but require a very complex tool. This opportunity will allow us to invest in the hardware we need to produce these 100% independently. We plan to build a sustainable business dedicated to something we can all be proud of,” stated Griechen.
PACT's minimalist ethos is also expressed in their branding. "We didn’t want to put our logo on anything. Honestly, we’re a little tired of seeing logos plastered everywhere. We want to explore a new form of product branding, one that is based on the owner, not the maker. That’s why the only identifying mark we burn into each of our products is a symbol that is completely unique to its owner," stated co-founder Ben Delaney. The duo have chosen to use a tiny grid pattern of 28 open or filled circles to create a discreet visual pattern for every person who acquires one of their pieces. Each “PactMark,” as they call it, will be registered to its owner and belong to them for life. Members can even opt to custom design their own PactMark.
The company hopes to set-up distribution both online and in upscale retail outlets around the world. “With these new technologies, the world of small manufacturing is changing quickly, and we are excited to bring something truly new to the table,” stated Delaney. Those interested in learning more about PACT’s unique process and product offerings, can visit http://www.pact.cm. Retailers interested in becoming stockists for PACT products should contact Ben Delaney at 509-720-7448 for more information.
About PACT
Established in 2014 as a product design collaboration between multi-disciplinary designers Darrin Griechen and Ben Delaney, PACT is currently raising funds via Kickstarter in order to establish manufacturing facilities in Spokane, WA. The company’s first five products—premium leather wallets, device cases, and satchels, constructed entirely of leather—are being offered as rewards for their Kickstarter campaign.