PROUDLY CANADIAN OWNED
Text by: Quartz Co.
As Quartz Co. celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, its president, Jean-Philippe Robert, reflects on one of the brand’s founding pillars: the value of expertise and local production. A discussion on the challenges, strengths, and significance of 'Made in Canada'.
What was the vision behind the acquisition of Quartz Nature in 2015?
The vision was to create a premium brand that would resonate both nationally and internationally. Before acquiring Quartz Nature and transform it into Quartz Co, I searched for a product around which to build the brand, and the winter coat quickly emerged as an obvious choice, given Canada's leadership in this area. I started by building a trusted team with my brothers, and then surrounded myself with experts in technical design. Today, our original commitment to manufacture here as much as possible remains intact.
In the outerwear industry, how does one earn the label "Made in Canada"?
It’s not a designation that’s given lightly. At least 51% of what we call the product’s "inputs" (i.e., the resources used in its creation) must be directly managed by the company. This means that a Canadian manufacturer must cover more than half of the costs associated with materials, labor, and other expenses. At Quartz Co., thanks to our design and production teams—both based in Montreal through our head office and factory—we far exceed that requirement.
Is the Canadian know-how sought after in the outerwear industry, both at home and abroad?
Absolutely, and it has been for a long time. Every country has its specialty, a renowned expertise that sets a standard of excellence—think Italian leather or Scottish wool. In Canada, it’s the winter coat: an absolutely essential piece of our daily lives, originally designed for survival and perfected over more than two centuries. While Quebec was historically known for its fur trade, coat manufacturing has always been a defining strength of Canada, and particularly of Montreal. This gives us unmatched credibility worldwide as a mark of quality and performance.
What do we have here that is hard to find elsewhere?
Our expertise. Over time, we’ve developed an ecosystem of craftsmanship around winter coats, allowing us to master every stage of the process—from design to production and patternmaking. Of course, we’re not the only ones who know how to make a coat, but the difference lies in the details: construction, material selection, precision in cuts and finishes—both aesthetically and functionally. Our team of experts brings years of experience to create coats that are durable, comfortable, and elegant, designed to withstand repeated wear in the harshest conditions.
It is also a nearly unique local strength to be able to test our products under extreme conditions. Winter here is long and rigorous, which pushes us to refine every detail for optimal efficiency. This reality drives us to constantly adapt and improve—quickly.
"It is also a nearly unique local strength to be able to test our products under extreme conditions."
Who designs and develops the models, and where?
We work with designers from Montreal and abroad, and our products are brought to life by our in-house development team, where every member plays a crucial role at different stages of the process. The designer starts with the initial sketches, and I help shape the vision by selecting preferred styles and specific details. Then, our construction expert translates that vision into a functional structure, ensuring a perfect understanding of both the interior and exterior design. Our patternmaking and cutting specialist adjusts proportions and optimizes production. Finally, our production director oversees the entire manufacturing process in our factory, ensuring consistency and quality in the final product.
Why keep full winter coat production in Canada? Is your factory operating year-round?
Because we are proud of our product, and there is demand for this level of quality both in the Canadian and international markets. Our factory is more than just a production site—it’s a hub for experimentation and knowledge. Being located here allows us to stay closely connected to the product, test it thoroughly, and understand it down to the smallest detail.
It also enables us to see and understand the entire process, including any challenges that may arise. This deep understanding is invaluable, even for the models we subcontract elsewhere, as it allows us to provide clear and precise instructions. In short, our factory is constantly active, not just during production periods. It’s where we develop new models, experiment with different techniques, and test fillings and new materials. It never really stops.
Why are some models not manufactured in Canada?
This decision stems from our desire (and a demand) to offer our clientele a new range of products at more accessible prices, while still meeting our high-quality standards. There are factories outside our borders that are well-versed in coat-making and whose expertise is recognized. It all comes down to the quality of communication and the precision of instructions. Because we have deep knowledge of our craft, we can confidently collaborate with trusted partners, maintaining regular oversight and ensuring they follow our exact standards.
"Our number one promise is to protect against the elements—wind, snow, extreme cold, freezing rain—while fitting seamlessly into urban life."
How do you plan to adapt your products to the various winters across Canada and internationally?
We have the expertise to create highly technical coats—our Vostok model, for example, consists of up to 100 individual components. From there, it becomes easier to imagine pieces that are, at first glance, simpler in terms of construction, allowing us to focus on the details and finishing touches. Quartz Co.’s aesthetic is rooted in sophisticated, timeless minimalism, which translates well into mid-season outerwear and ready-to-wear pieces, I think.
Is the "Made in Canada" label threatened or rather valued in our current economic climate?
I would say that in today's context, it is more important than ever. Prioritizing the purchase of Canadian products preserves our know-how and strengthens our economy, because a healthy manufacturing sector is a fundamental pillar of a country’s prosperity. It should be seen as an opportunity to highlight our strengths.
"The future of Quartz Co. lies in the will to continue developing high-performance outerwear, designed with rigor and responsibility, and to keep showcasing Canadian expertise around the world."
How do you envision the future of Quartz Co.?
I remain true to the vision that has guided me for the past ten years, adapting it as needed along the way. Quartz Co. is still a relatively small company, but our products hold a strong position both locally and internationally.
I am proud that our brand has been a pioneer in eco-responsibility. Seven years ago, it was extremely difficult to find sustainable or recycled materials that met our quality standards. Today, the industry has caught up: these alternatives are more accessible and have even become the norm for many brands. This is a positive step forward for everyone.
The future of Quartz Co. lies in the will to continue developing high-performance outerwear, designed with rigor and responsibility, and to keep showcasing Canadian expertise around the world.