Features
Confluence Watersports will be moving all manufacturing of its composite boats to China, effective June 2009. Composite boats from their Wilderness Systems brand will be manufactured in a family-run factory in Hangzhou, China. The move will greatly lower the costs associated with manufacturing composite boats in the Easley, S.C. factory and allow Confluence to remain competitive in the composite boat market.
“This is a decision we came to after a thorough examination of its implications;” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports. “Our initial cost analysis didn’t bode well for the future of composite boats. Now we see that this decision will enhance the quality of our composite program, enable a quicker turnaround and allow for a more competitive pricing schedule - all while bringing the cost structure down to a sustainable level.”
The partnering factory is a family-run business whose passion is boat building. They have been making boats since 1986, including boats for international competitive sculling and rowing. With a host of international materials experts and artisans, this company is one of only four builders in the world to be endorsed by the International Federation of Rowing Associations (FISA).
What began as a financial decision has become an opportunity to strengthen Confluence’s composite fleet. Due to the Chinese company’s leading-edge understanding of composite materials, the boats will achieve up to a 10-per cent weight reduction without sacrificing strength or rigidity. Confluence personnel will inspect all boats before they leave China.
A consequential result of the move is the freeing up of time and space for the Easley-based, Confluence design and product development and engineering teams. Rechner added, “This will give them another opportunity to apply their experience and creativity in taking the industry to the next level.”
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