Sterling Rope Factory

I could take the easy way out and say that words can't describe my trip to Portland, Maine, but that wouldn't be very good blogging now would it?

I think my flight over the Appalachian Mountains was a symbol of how the rest of my trip would be.  Thirty minutes after take off my connector flight to Charlotte, NC was flying over a vast mountainous landscape, capped with vibrant red and orange trees with a sprinkle of grey and white rock.  "Perfect" I thought, "does anyone know this is out here? There aren't any roads in sight."  I hadn't seen any sign of fall until now.  This serenity had reminded me that there are still wild forest areas left untouched in this country, which was relaxing as our small plane bounced and rolled left and right. 

As much as I was visiting the factory for business, I felt like I was on vacation.  I had never been this far into the northeast.  I was in Portland, Maine for Pete's sake!  My senses were wildly alert as I tried to take everything in.  I couldn't immediately see that I was port side, but I sure could smell it as the industrious port filled the air with it's musky fragrance.  The weather was less than enjoyable the two days I was there.  Rainy and cold.  The majority of my time was spent in the factory learning and giving feedback with 4 of the other Sterling reps.  As a group, we were really lucky to get a chance to here how the company got started and what the mission of Sterling Rope is from the owners Carolyn and Peter.   

 

Day one was off to a great start as we jumped right into the factory tour.  I was totally blown away by the extensive process and precision that goes into every model and type of Sterling Rope.  Coating, twisting, winding, steaming, braiding, cutting, packaging, shipping....damn.  I won't say too much as there are many subtleties in these steps that make Sterling Ropes the best. 

Core fibre

Nylon

The Steamer

Braider = rope!

Eventually the tour led us over to the quality control room, a.k.a. the when will it break room.  Awesome.  See video.

We came in on day two with our heads dizzied from the night before.  A local club was hosting the Reel Rock Film Tour just down the street from our hotel and the whole Sterling Rope rep force, minus Kurt, and in house team were there to watch.  RAD!  Our sales meeting continued and led us into training and testing.  The focus was on the ATS device and F4 Fire Escape System.  It was really cool to see and use these pieces. 

Doug using the ATS 

Mark on the F4

Kiwi Dave on the F4

The crew out for dinner

The dinner spot

Looking back, this trip was crucial in developing my knowledge of what it takes to make the best ropes on the market and why Sterling's combination of durability and performance are unsurpassed.  I left Maine as not only a Sterling Rope rep, I am a Sterling Rope fan.  Their products help me enjoy the sport I love to the highest level and give me confidence when gripped.  I can't wait to use my Sterling Rope again.

Baller sunrise over the Atlantic

Here is a little video I put together of our tour.




Cheddar.