Purcell Trench Company

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History:  2024 

Purcell Trench began in 1993 in Kootenai County, Idaho.  We sold the first Travelers Grills to local outdoor stores in the Idaho panhandle.

REI camping equipment buyer and good guy, Gary Rose, was looking for such a product and REI became our primary outlet.  Initial focus was on wholesale product production.

Our grill selection expanded in response to customer request:  The Packers Grill, a near copy of a product sold by REI and others many years ago, the Voyageur was designed for canoe travelers and horse packers.

We went online in 1996 and began deemphasizing wholesale production.

In 1997, in consultation with engineers from the DuPont chemical corporation, we started experimenting with Soar-Coat fabric.  By 1998 the Selkirk Shelter was tested and available for commercial sale.  We no longer produce the Selkirk Shelter.

The Purcell Trench office and shop moved to Northeast Washington, in the Selkirk Mountains.

Streamside (expanded metal surface) grills were originally available on a custom basis only.  They gained market share and became standard in all frame sizes.

Until 2005, we provided wholesale products to a few established retail outlets.  With advancements in communication, I feel it is advantageous for customers to go directly to the source for made in America small business products.  Frankly, our material and labor costs are too high to allow for wholesale prices at profit.

After testing different grades and sizes of titanium tubing, we have obtained a supply of Grade 9 seamless aircraft titanium tubing that is very strong and light.  Expanded metal titanium finally became available and affordable.  Ti Packers grills are currently available in all styles.

Company Name

The company title is borrowed from a geographic place name.  Our original production site was near the ice carved Purcell Trench stretching from North Idaho about two hundred miles into British Columbia.  The trench lies between the Purcell and Selkirk mountains.

Partners

While I am the company owner, long time partners have played an indispensable role in the development and evolution of the company.

Chuck Woods Jr., owner of CFW Specialties Inc., Libby, Montana, was an Idaho neighbor with extensive welding and metal fabrication experience.  Chuck helped develop our grills and serves as welding and metal fabrication expert.

Josh Drake, DRAKE'S TIG WELDING in Chewelah, Washington, runs a one man shop specializing in TIG projects on a variety of different metals.

Gail Roberds designed and made our grill bags for several years.  Gail had a nice shop at her home in Spokane Valley.  She also helped design and make Selkirk Shelters.  Personal health problems sidelined her business.  We miss her wise council and dedication.

Currently, our sewing is done by the good folks at Stitch Fabrication LLC, Garden City, Idaho.

Debra Tomme provided original artwork, advertising layout and web design from her home in Rathdrum, Idaho.  She later opened a commercial design shop in Coeur d'Alene prior to relocation in Las Vegas.

Recent printing by Dove Printing, Inc., Spokane (509-483-6164) and Colville Printing, Colville (509-684-5869).

Current silkscreen work by Magna-Vis Graphic Impressions of Colville (509-684-5659).

Owner Don Tryon does a bit of everything.

Don Tryon,  January, 2021

Post Office Box 7, Addy, WA 99101, USA  -  phone:  509-675-1413  -  [email protected]  -

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