Confluence Announces Expansion and Move to New Facility in South Carolina

Aug. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- EASLEY, S.C.  – Confluence Watersports today announced that the company will move to a new facility in Greenville, S.C.  The new location is within 10 miles of the company’s current operations.

The strategic move enables significant cost savings and efficiency gains for the company, which will support reinvestment into the company’s infrastructure and aggressive growth plan.  

The new 300,000-square foot facility consolidates all Confluence Watersports operations while allowing for planned expansion. The move will combine workforce and operations currently located in four buildings in two different locations, into one facility. The more than $13 million investment will support expansion and is expected to generate 72 new jobs over the next five years.

Confluence Watersports currently employs 425 people and is the ninth largest roto-molding facility in North America, according to Plastics News.

The move has been meticulously planned to ensure that Confluence retail partners experience no inconveniences or business disruptions through the process. The move will occur in stages beginning in September and ending in December of this year.

Retail and distributor partners can expect complete continuity of customer service, sales support and shipping of orders through the multi-phased move. Inventory has been increased and manufacturing will continuously occur at both facilities throughout the move to ensure Confluence is meeting shipping commitments.

“It was important for us to consolidate our teams and operations into one building while at the same time providing for expansion. The proximity of the new Greenville facility allows us to retain our workforce and gain efficiencies across the organization that will translate back into investments to strengthen our brands for all of our customers,” said Sue Rechner, president and CEO of Confluence Watersports. “This site will also help us achieve an important goal of providing a better quality of work life for our team.”

Confluence wishes to thank state and local officials for their support and guidance. Specifically, Confluences extends its appreciation to: the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the Upstate South Carolina Alliance, the Greenville Area Development Corporation, and the City of Greenville Economic Development Department.  

About Confluence Watersports:
Confluence Watersports is the result of blending the unique watersports brands: Wilderness Systems®, Perception®, Dagger®, and Wave Sport® kayaks, Mad River Canoe®, Adventure Technology® paddles, Bomber Gear and Harmony® accessories. With a full representation of canoes, and kayaks ranging from touring and recreational to high-performance whitewater boats, the Confluence brands are well suited to outfit all paddling enthusiasts. For more information about the company, please visit www.confluencewatersports.com.