Spokane-based Select Threads merges with Bison Printing

Spokane-based Bison Printing is acquiring custom sock company Select Threads to expand screenprinting capabilities for businesses, groups and sports teams.

Under the merger, the two companies will operate under Bison Printing. Select Threads co-founder Kyle Peterson will assume the role of general manager for the company, overseeing business development, account management and expansion of its sports division.

The merger provides an opportunity for Select Threads to pursue a goal of expanding its product line beyond customized socks, Peterson said.

“We are plugging into a team of designers,” Peterson said. “Bison has a full production team and more financial stability than (Select Threads) did. It made sense to be acquired by them.”

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Select Threads was founded by Peterson and Zach Stensland in 2013 after taking a marketing class at Mt. Spokane High School. Since then, the company grew from processing small customized sock orders to printing socks in bulk for Hoopfest, BECU, The Great PNW and various nationwide companies and sports teams.

Peterson forged a working relationship with Bison Printing through a mutual connection to The Great PNW, which sells clothing, hats and accessories. 

Bison Printing, founded by Grayson Ervin last year, shares a 7,000-square-foot shop at 519 N. Sycamore St. with The Great PNW, a client of the screenprinting company.

Bison Printing also has created apparel for Hooptown USA, Perry Street Brewing, Pacific Pizza, Summit Church, Hello Sugar and the South Hill Football Club.

“I feel like we produce retail quality garments at our core,” said Ervin, who is president of the company. “That’s the bulk of what we do and that’s kind of our specialty.”

Ervin said he was interested in acquiring Select Threads because of the company’s unique connections to businesses and sports teams.

By partnering with Select Threads, Bison Printing will be able to screenprint uniforms or merchandise starter packs for clients that include hats, jerseys, sweatshirts and socks, among other items, Ervin said. 

Demand for printed goods and apparel has been brisk for the Bison Printing, which has seven employees, Ervin said.

“Things have truthfully never been busier,” he said. “As of today, we are booked solid a month out.”

The acquisition of Select Threads will help Bison Printing’s long-term growth, Ervin said, adding the company could add more employees in the future. 

“I think we will be doubling in size, and Kyle will be a big part of that,” Ervin said.