Archives: Press Releases

AMHERST, Mass. (Jan. 20, 2026) – OrthoLite, the global leader of branded, high-performance, comfort footwear solutions, has appointed Doug Nickerson as Sales Manager, Performance East. Nickerson officially began his role with OrthoLite on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

Nickerson joins OrthoLite with a rare combination of deep technical knowledge and strong commercial expertise, developed through years of hands-on experience in performance and work footwear. Most recently, he worked closely with teams at Timberland and Timberland PRO, where he played a critical role in compound development, material innovation, and soling system performance for demanding end-use applications.

With a background in chemical engineering, Nickerson brings a strong understanding of polymer science and material processing and manufacturing, paired with the ability to clearly communicate value to both technical and non-technical partners. He has extensive factory experience across North America, South America, and Asia, and has collaborated cross-functionally with design, development, sourcing, engineering, and supplier teams to bring high-performance products to market.

“Doug’s ability to bridge technical depth with customer-facing strategy makes him a tremendous addition to our sales organization,” said Marty Greenwald, Vice President of Sales. “His experience in performance materials and his collaborative, solutions-driven approach align perfectly with how we support our brand partners.”

As Sales Manager, Performance East, Nickerson will be based in the Boston region and he will work closely to support OrthoLite’s performance-focused brand partners, strengthen long-term relationships, and accelerate the delivery of innovative comfort and performance solutions across the Eastern region.

“I’m proud to join OrthoLite at a time when innovation, performance, and material science are more important than ever,” said Nickerson. “I look forward to working closely with OrthoLite’s internal teams and our brand partners to help deliver best-in-class comfort and performance solutions to the market.”

On October 30, 2025, Coats announced the completion of its acquisition of OrthoLite, the global leader in open-cell foam insole technology. The acquisition of OrthoLite is the latest step in Coats’ ambition to shape the future of the global apparel and footwear supply chain through innovation, sustainability, and digital technologies that improve quality, efficiency and performance

About Coats Group plc
Coats is a world-leading Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries. We deliver essential materials, components, and software solutions that help our customers grow, compete and win. With over 250 years of industry expertise, we’re shaping the future of the apparel and footwear supply chain through insight-led innovation, impactful sustainability practices, and digital technologies that unlock better product quality, efficiency and
performance. Headquartered in the UK, Coats is a FTSE 250 company and a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index. In 2024, we generated $1.5 billion in revenue and employed 16,000 people worldwide—all united by a spirit of innovation, quality and service.

Learn more at www.coats.com or follow us on LinkedIn. For information or OrthoLite, visit OrthoLite.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

[SAN FRANCISCO] January 19, 2026 – LifeLabs®, a materials science company pioneering temperature-regulating textiles, today released new consumer research conducted on their behalf by The Harris Poll examining how heat, comfort, and cooling technology shape golf performance and golf apparel preferences. Ahead of PGA Show (January 20-23), the world’s largest global golf industry event, new findings show that heat is having a significant impact on golfers’ enjoyment and performance.

Eighty-four percent of golfers (defined as those who have played golf on an outdoor course or driving range in the past 5 years) say they would be more likely to choose a golf apparel brand that uses cooling technology in their fabric over one that does not, while 68% of golfers say if they felt too hot while playing golf, they would likely take a break or end a round early. In addition, 73% of golfers report that very warm weather negatively affects their performance, including 22% who say it has a major negative impact.

“Golfers are clearly telling us that comfort and performance go hand-in-hand, and that heat can be the difference between finishing strong and cutting a round short,” said Mya Franklin, Director of North America Business Operations at LifeLabs. “Our proprietary performance technology, CoolLife®, is a solution that is easily integrated into the design and manufacturing process resulting in a cooling effect designed for long-duration periods of time in sun and heat, exactly what golfers need.”

LifeLabs’ CoolLife technology is the world’s first and only thermally transparent textile, providing a permanent, instant, and continuous cooling effect that reduces surface temperature by 2°C. CoolLife yarn is produced using globally patented nanoporous polyethylene polymer technology from Stanford University. According to the MSI (Material Sustainability Index), it delivers a more favorable environmental impact rating compared with conventional synthetic fibers, man-made fibers, and natural fibers—helping brand partners successfully balance high performance with sustainability considerations.

“CoolLife isn’t a marketing buzzword – it’s a fabric performance platform that manages heat, enabling golfers to be comfortable for 9, 18 or 36 holes,” said Jordi Beneyto-Ferre, Director of Textile Innovation and Sustainability at LifeLabs. “Our goal is to work with brand partners to translate thermoregulating science into golf-ready materials balancing cooling comfort, breathability, and durability ensuring that performance doesn’t drop when temperatures rise.”

Founded by Professor Yi Cui and Sophia Ou, LifeLabs brings patented thermoregulating materials innovation to brand partners across performance categories, pairing textile science with scalable development support to help create measurable comfort benefits in real-world conditions.

Survey Method: This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of LifeLabs from January 6-8, 2026, among 2,096 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 459 have participated in outdoor golf in the past five years (golfers). The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Jason Silva, CGPR (jason@cgprpublicrelations.com).

For those interested in learning more about LifeLabs performance textiles for golf apparel, LifeLabs is scheduling in-person meetings at PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, January 20-23. To schedule a meeting, visit https://lifelabs.design/contact-us/ or contact Jason Silva, CGPR (jason@cgprpublicrelations.com).

###

About LifeLabs®: LifeLabs® is a material science enterprise founded by Professor Yi Cui and Sophia Ou. LifeLabs develops sustainable, high-performance textiles through its proprietary WarmLife® and CoolLife® technologies. With a mission to reduce energy consumption while improving personal comfort, LifeLabs® empowers apparel brands and consumers to embrace a more sustainable future. For more information, visit https://lifelabs.design/.

Media Contacts: Jason Silva, CGPR, jason@cgprpublicrelations.com Ben Ryan, LifeLabs, ben_ryan@lifelabs.design

Frisco, TX – [January 16, 2025] Wiley X, a global leader in premium protective eyewear, will exhibit at SHOT Show 2026, taking place January 20–23 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Attendees are invited to visit booth #20063 to explore Wiley X’s latest styles and innovations in protective eyewear designed for military, law enforcement, shooting sports professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts.

To schedule an appointment with the Wiley X sales team during SHOT Show, please email outdoor@wileyx.com.

For more information about Wiley X and its full line of protective eyewear, visit www.wileyx.com.

[Amsterdam, Netherlands] Jan. 15, 2026 – VALLON, the sports eyewear company known for classic style, maximum performance eyewear, introduces Crossroads™ – unisex goggles designed for alpine performance, fusing design notes from classic mountaineering aesthetics with advanced optical and material technology.

Drawing inspiration from traditional climbing rope for their headstrap, they integrate next-generation lenses and high-tensile frame composites to deliver uncompromising clarity, durability, and style for modern backcountry, high-alpine, and powder pursuits.

Commenting on the new launch, Richard and Marcus, cofounders of VALLON said, “When creating the Crossroads™, we strived to design goggles that fuse classic alpine heritage with maximum performance that can withstand extreme environments and challenges. Built for those who carve their own line, this is technical sports eyewear with a whole lotta soul.”

Lens Deep-Dive

Design x Technology

For the Crossroads™, VALLON worked in partnerships with leading optics manufacturer, Carl ZEISS, to design a new dual-layered Toric lens – the perfect crossover between a Spherical and Cylindrical lens. Toric lenses sit at the nexus of these two optic shapes, merging the peripheral vision of spherical lenses with the distortion control of cylindrical lenses.

Versatility in varied weather conditions is guaranteed by our new PolarLock™  system, designed for simple and fast lens changes, and excellent lens security. A magnet-based quick release system provides optimal eye protection and assurance that your lenses will stay firmly in place.

Crossroads™ have dual-layered lens technology composed of ZEISS outer lens made of 1.6mm shatterproof polycarbonate, and an inner anti-fog lens from leading lens manufacturer, Mazuchelli.

Lens Category x Conditions

Available in four colorways: White-Silver, Sand-Copper, White-Green and Black-Orange, Crossroads™ are delivered with two lenses as standard, that are quickly interchanged to cover your eyes in a range of weather and light conditions:

Lens Tint x Contrast

While photochromic lenses are useful for adjusting the darkness of your vision, they can’t adjust lens tint. Lens tint is an important design consideration for sports eyewear, particularly for snowsports where blue light attenuation and contrast are critical for clear vision and quick decision-making.

The majority of VALLON goggle lenses have a brown-tint lens. Brown lenses work particularly well in natural environments for improving: contrast, natural color vision, and eye comfort

For the Crossroads™ we complimented our core brown-tinted lens, with a second interchangeable, high-contrast violet lens included in the purchase. Violet lenses help filter out green and blue light that cause distracting reflections on surfaces like snow. The result of using a violet lens is that the snow’s surface and varying textures appear clearer, and we experience greater contrast in low-light conditions. Something that a mono-tint photochromic lens cannot provide in the same way.

Frame + Strap Deep-Dive

We’ve upgraded the headstrap on the Crossroads™ to feature a wider 50mm nylon strap in a distinctive design, inspired by traditional climbing rope. The headstrap has a silicone lining to keep your goggles secure in all conditions.

The frame is made of durable, temperature-resistant and scratch-resistant TPU with a matte coating that gives the CROSSROADS™ a modern, sleek finish. Maximised ventilation across the top and bottom of the frame ensures that, paired with the lens anti-fog inner coating, your goggles won’t fog up.

Naming the Crossroads™

All VALLON product names pay homage to songs and musicians from decades past. For the Crossroads™, we sought inspiration from the story of American blues singer and songwriter, Robert Johnson (1911-1938). It was said that Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to become an exceptional guitar player.

VALLON Crossroads™ are now available at www.vallon.com/products/crossroads, and through select retailers worldwide.

In-the-field imagery available here (please credit VALLON where possible).

About VALLON

Original eyewear that combines classic style with maximum performance. Like Tarantino, we pay homage to the past when creating something new. We design highly technical and innovative eyewear infused with a whole lotta soul, offering great value gear that also cleans up plastic waste with every pair sold. Trusted by explorers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts around the world, VALLONs have crossed the oceans, traversed every continent, and reached the world’s highest peaks. Protect your eyes in style #theVALLONway.

Visit www.vallon.com for more information.

Media contacts

NAM

Verde Brand Communications

Becca Katz: vallon@verdepr.com

Verde PR Durango, Colorado, USA

EMEA & All other regions

VALLON Senior Marketing and Communications Manager

Victoria Bushnell: victoria@vallon.store

VALLON B.V. Amsterdam, Netherlands

AMHERST, Mass. (Jan. 15, 2026) – OrthoLite, the global leader of branded, high-performance, comfort footwear solutions, has promoted Marty Greenwald to Vice President of Sales. In his new role, Greenwald will oversee global sales strategy and key account management as OrthoLite continues to expand its footprint as the preferred insole partner to over 550 of the world’s leading footwear brands.​

Greenwald joined OrthoLite in 2018 and most recently served as Global Sales Director, where he has served a pivotal role in deepening partnerships with major athletic, outdoor, and lifestyle brands, and in driving adoption of OrthoLite’s portfolio of comfort and performance technologies across categories. With more than 30 years of sales and managerial experience in the footwear and sporting goods industries, he brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams and long-term, value-driven customer relationships.​

“Marty has been instrumental in strengthening OrthoLite’s position as the industry’s go-to insole partner,” said Glenn Barrett, founder and CEO of OrthoLite. “His consultative, relationship-first approach, combined with deep market knowledge, has helped our brand partners bring better products to market, faster. Elevating Marty into this role is a natural next step as we continue to grow globally.”​

As Vice President of Sales, Greenwald will lead OrthoLite’s global sales teams, work closely with marketing and product development, and align with brand partners to support innovation, speed-to-market, and sustainability objectives.

“OrthoLite’s success has always been rooted in listening to our customers and delivering solutions that meet their evolving needs,” said Greenwald. “I’m honored to continue working with our incredible internal teams and brand partners around the world to bring best-in-class comfort and performance footwear solutions.”

On October 30, 2025, Coats announced the completion of its acquisition of OrthoLite, the global leader in open-cell foam insole technology. The acquisition of OrthoLite is the latest step in Coats’ ambition to shape the future of the global apparel and footwear supply chain through innovation, sustainability, and digital technologies that improve quality, efficiency and performance.

About Coats Group plc
Coats is a world-leading Tier 2 manufacturer and trusted partner for the apparel and footwear industries. We deliver essential materials, components, and software solutions that help our customers grow, compete and win. With over 250 years of industry expertise, we’re shaping the future of the apparel and footwear supply chain through insight-led innovation, impactful sustainability practices, and digital technologies that unlock better product quality, efficiency and performance. Headquartered in the UK, Coats is a FTSE 250 company and a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index. In 2024, we generated $1.5 billion in revenue and employed 16,000 people worldwide—all united by a spirit of innovation, quality and service.

Learn more at www.coats.com or follow us on LinkedIn. For information or OrthoLite, visit OrthoLite.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

DRAPER, Utah (Jan. 15, 2025) — Pioneering a new category of moisture management for gear and equipment, DRYOUT, a groundbreaking new advanced materials brand launching in 2026, offers a way to more effectively protect and rescue critical gear after exposure to the elements.

DRYOUT technology helps protect everything from electronics, cell phones, tablets, earbuds, and battery packs to photo/video gear, firearms, optics, night vision goggles, drone controllers, ammunition, medical devices, tools, and more. It provides active moisture protection during enclosed storage and carry, including use in cases, bags, pouches, packs and similar items.

Launching in January and available in a wide range of consumer and military products later this spring, DRYOUT technology is a patented, super-absorbent layered construction that is engineered into a range of different types of storage and carry solutions. Its unique pairing of materials results in unprecedented ability to actively pull and trap moisture at a higher rate of speed than traditional desiccants.

The DRYOUT brand will exhibit the technology to potential brand partners and defense organizations at SHOW Show in Las Vegas, Nev., Jan. 20-23.

“Moisture is one of the most persistent and expensive threats to mission-critical gear, whether that mission is outdoor adventure, hunting, traveling, military, aerospace, or just daily life with electronic devices,” said Romney Williams, CEO of DRYOUT. “Until now, there hasn’t been an electricity-free moisture-management solution this powerful, reusable, or versatile.”

Using its proprietary dual-action technology, DRYOUT actively pulls and traps moisture, holding it away from gear. The trapped moisture can later be released from the DRYOUT material, so it can be reused indefinitely to defend equipment from rust, corrosion, condensation, fogging, ingress, and electrical failure. This powerful performance is achieved by DRYOUT’s advanced design, which combines a moisture-wicking nylon exterior with a patented core of moisture absorption materials to create a layered construction where each layer plays a critical role in working together to move and manage moisture.

• A 6-by-12 inch DRYOUT panel — roughly the amount used to protect gear the size of a tablet, handgun or a VR headset — absorbs up to 3,400 times more moisture than a silica gel packet — what most people call to mind when they think of desiccants — and 15.3 times more than a silica gel canister and 10.2 times more than a plug-in dehumidifier.
• A 6-by-12 inch DRYOUT panel has an absorption capacity of up to 32.4 grams of moisture or 667 drops of water, a capacity that increases as panels increase in size.
• DRYOUT can pull moisture up to 8 inches away from a wet hard good, helping protect gear without needing direct contact.
• It actively eliminates “fog cycles” in camera lenses, night vision goggles, and thermal imaging cameras, helping maintain clear optics in high-stakes conditions.
• DRYOUT is easily reset for repeat use in as little as 30 minutes by exposing it to sunlight, controlled heat, or airflow, thereby reducing waste and total cost of ownership.

While traditional desiccants only passively absorb humidity, DRYOUT is the only reusable technology that actively pulls moisture out of wet gear, then absorbs and locks it away — without power, chemicals, or single-use waste.

DRYOUT partners with consumer brands, OEMs, Tier 1 government suppliers, and government and defense agencies that require high-reliability solutions. DRYOUT offers a collaborative design, development, and production service to enable partners to ideate, test, and bring DRYOUT-enabled products to market fast and efficiently.

Interested customers can visit DRYOUT.com for more information.

About DRYOUT^®

DRYOUT was founded with a single-minded mission to protect and rescue gear that shouldn’t get wet. Our patented, layered material combines nylon and superabsorbent technology to pull and trap moisture away from electronics, firearms, optics, ammunition, batteries, photo/video gear, tools, and more. DRYOUT^® technology is the only reusable, electricity-free solution that actively absorbs moisture. Trusted by consumer product brands, OEMs, government, and defense suppliers, DRYOUT^® helps keep valuable hardgoods dry, safe, and mission-ready. A portion of all profits supports organizations focused on mental health and wellness for children and veterans. www.DRYOUT.com

MEDIA CONTACT

Verde Brand Communications

dryout@verdepr.com

(970) 235-0268

{Dover, NH—January 15, 2026} — With spring just a few months away, NEMO Equipment’s 2026 outdoor gear collection is now available at www.nemoequipment.com and rolling out at specialty outdoor retailers in the coming weeks and months. The award-winning, New England-based outdoor gear manufacturer has added new warmer, lighter, and more comfortable sleeping pads; a lightweight, packable recliner chair; and major updates to its top-selling Dragonfly OSMO™ tent series, increasing livable space, strength, and sustainability. Pushing the boundaries, every product in the lineup is designed and engineered to elevate the customer’s experience outdoors.

“Our design team charged hard this year, engineering products that bring ultimate comfort, durability and sustainability while pushing the limits of what ultralight materials and technology can do,” said Mike Welch, Senior VP Global Sales & Marketing. “Customers will see high value in each of these new products that will offer a better experience outdoors”.

SLEEPING PADS

Ultralight and ultra-comfortable to provide the rest you need after a long day on the trail.

NEW Eclipse™ All-Season Sleeping Pad 

NEMO’s thickest air pad to-date, Eclipse is built for backpackers who put comfort first. A subtly raised side profile creates a cradled sleep surface that enhances stability and keeps you centered through the night, while soft-touch fabrics enhance the overall comfort. Thermal Mirror™ insulation delivers exceptional all-season warmth without added bulk or noise, and the Laylow™ micro-adjust valve allows for quiet, precise firmness control. Durable construction, competitive weight, and approachable pricing make Eclipse a top choice for serious backpackers. Quiet, stable, and supportive. Available in Regular, Regular Wide, and Long Wide.

• R-Value: 6.2 for superior warmth
• Thickness: A plush 4” of support
• Minimum Weight: 17 oz. (Reg)
• MSRP: Starting at $159.95

NEW bluesign ® Flyer™ Cloud Sleeping Pad

A luxury sleeping pad with a radical hybrid design, Flyer Cloud blends the thickness of an air pad with the plush durability of foam for exceptional comfort and dependable performance, without sacrificing packability. NEMO’s innovative manufacturing approach removes nearly 60% of the foam, providing better packability and a more comfortable sleep experience. An air-supported perimeter baffle adds extra cushioning and stability, while a soft, stretch-knit top sheet enhances overall comfort. Convenient new Vortex™ stuff sack efficiently doubles as a pump and stuff sack. Available in Regular Mummy, Regular Wide Mummy, Regular Wide and Long Wide. *Available exclusively at REI through 3/31/26.

• R-value: 5.2 allows for cold-weather camping
• Thickness: 3”
• Minimum weight: 1 lb., 12 oz.
• MSRP: Starting at $159.95

FURNITURE

NEW Satellite™ Recliner 

Building on NEMO’s legacy of award-winning furniture design, Satellite is a lightweight, highly portable reclining chair that delivers full head and back support for relaxed comfort anywhere, from festivals and the beach to camp and beyond. A unique pulley system allows you to relax back for stargazing or sit upright for meals, while a wide, padded headrest provides comfort and support. Shock-corded aluminum poles with forged hubs and ball-and-socket corner mounts create a sturdy, stable, and packable structure. A convenient sling-style carrying case doubles as a stabilizing platform on softer terrain.

• Minimum weight: 3 lbs., 9 oz.
• Seat height: 13”
• Maximum capacity: 350 lbs.
• MSRP: $199.95

TENTS

OSMO™ Fabric

First introduced in 2022 with the Dagger™ tent series, NEMO’s revolutionary OSMO fabric represents a major leap forward in both technical performance and environmental responsibility. By combining 100% recycled nylon and polyester yarns, OSMO delivers the best of both materials: nylon fibers provide exceptional strength (20% stronger), while polyester fibers dramatically reduce stretch when wet (3x less). The result is a fabric with superior strength and water resistance (5x better), along with long-lasting, PFAS-free water repellency that never needs to be renewed. OSMO also meets flammability requirements without the use of fire-retardant chemicals. New for 2026, Dragonfly OSMO™ features solution-dyed fabric, further reducing environmental impact. OSMO™ embodies NEMO’s mission—advancing technology to make adventures better while committing to a lighter footprint on the planet.

Updated Dragonfly OSMO™ Tent Series
Already one of NEMO’s best-selling backpacking tents thanks to its balance of livability, low weight, and compact packed size, Dragonfly receives meaningful updates to interior space, materials, and design for 2026. The new Precurve™ crossbar increases door height and delivers up to 34% more headroom, while also creating a stronger, more stable frame. Recycled aluminum poles, NEMO custom Elements™ hardware, and 100% recycled, PFAS-free fabrics—now bluesign® APPROVED and solution-dyed—reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. A redesigned fly extends closer to the ground for improved foul-weather protection, while the updated Divvy Cube™ stuff sack packs more efficiently inside a backpack. Easier to live in, tougher in bad weather, and lighter on the planet, Dragonfly™ continues to raise the bar for modern backpacking tents.

• Available in 1P/2P/3P models
• Minimum weight 2 lbs., 14 oz. (2P)
• MSRP: Starting at $499.95

“I’ve been testing the updated Dragonfly OSMO 3P in the mountains of Canada with my 2 kids and I absolutely love how lightweight it is while still feeling incredibly spacious. Setup is easy and intuitive. It’s a well-designed tent that made our trips more comfortable from start to finish.” Marie-Andrée Racine, Mountain Athlete and NEMO Ambassador.

*The Dragonfly OSMO™ Bikepack series also saw these updates, along with a new bike-optimized, double-ended stuff sack.

To see NEMO’s entire line of new and updated products built for adventure anywhere, please visit www.nemoequipment.com.

About NEMO

NEMO is a New Hampshire–based outdoor gear company that designs and manufactures award-winning tents, sleeping systems, camp furniture, and accessories built to last, perform exceptionally, and make time outside more comfortable and memorable. With a philosophy to never bring anything to market unless it meaningfully improves the outdoor experience, NEMO has earned hundreds of awards and honors, including multiple ISPO Awards, and recognition as one of Outside Magazine’s and Business NH’s Best Places to Work and a small business environmental leader. Since its launch in 2023, the brand has continued to expand its Endless Promise® fully recyclable product program and publish transparent sustainability reporting that highlights carbon-reduction progress toward its 2030 goals, PFAS-free innovations, and circular design principles. Guided by a passionate team of designers and engineers, NEMO advances performance and sustainability in gear while supporting broader access to and protection of the outdoors, making adventures more possible, inclusive, and enduring.

Adventure Anywhere. Adventure for Anyone. Adventure forever.®

###

LAFAYETTE, Calif. – The Wing Group, a portfolio of leading marine and outdoor brands including Wing Inflatables, Mustang Survival, FabTek, Henshaw, and Patten, today announced the acquisition of Kokatat, a respected manufacturer of premium paddle sports apparel and equipment, headquartered in Arcata, California.

The acquisition is rooted in a long-standing relationship and shared values between the organizations. Kokatat’s deep history in recreational and professional paddle sports industry, along with the trust it has earned with end users through a legacy of quality, value, innovation, and excellence, makes it a natural fit within the Wing Group portfolio.

Andrew Branagh, CEO of the Wing Group, has been expanding the Wing Group’s scale and reach with acquisitions aligned to its values and mission. “This acquisition further strengthens the Group’s whitewater and paddling presence.  Kokatat has been firmly embedded in that vertical since its founding. We value the talent, technical knowledge, and the company’s unique bond with the river. Kokatat brings capabilities that few organizations possess—and Arcata remains a critical part of that expertise and legacy.”

Kokatat will continue to operate as an independent brand under the Wing Group with global support from Mustang Survival.  Kokatat is continuing operations and is well-positioned to accelerate with Mustang Survival’s broader infrastructure. Critical resources across the Wing Group will be shared across manufacturing, operations, IT and planning, and quality, while maintaining continuity for customers and partners. Mark Loughmiller, CEO of Kokatat will remain in a leadership position, working in partnership with Mark Branagh, current Director of US Commercial Sales at Mustang Survival, representing the Wing Group.

This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for The Wing Group’s global growth. Together with Kokatat, they are committed to continuing to serve paddlers and professionals with trusted gear.

—

About The Wing Group

The Wing Group and its companies (Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, FabTek Industries, and Mustang Survival) deliver confidence to the world’s most demanding marine and aviation users through innovative and high-quality technical solutions – on, over and under the water. The Wing Group is a leader in inflatable boats, life rafts, flotation, dry suits, and other tactical and survival solutions for recreational, commercial, and military customers.

winggroup.com 

About Kokatat Inc
Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California for over 50 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat!
kokatat.com

For further information, please contact:

Sieneke Toering

PR & Communications

Stoering@mustangsurvival.com

Tel: 1-604-354-1161