ARCATA, California — Kokatat, the manufacturer of high-performance paddling gear, is undertaking a significant expansion of its manufacturing and warehouse capabilities – a move that will generate an estimated 30 new engineering and production jobs at its northwestern California headquarters.
Kokatat’s expansion includes an additional 7,500 square feet of production space and 3,000 additional square feet of warehouse and shipping. All told, the additional space will increase the footprint of Kokatat’s headquarters by 40 percent, which currently occupies about 26,250 square feet.
“By growing our space and team here in Arcata, we will be able to better support the growth we’ve seen in both our outdoor sports and government business sectors,” said Jeff Turner, Kokatat’s Director of Sales. “More than 90 percent of our annual revenues are generated by the garments we make here in Arcata. Our commitment to domestic manufacturing is vital to our continued growth.”
Kokatat has been firmly committed to domestic manufacturing beginning with founder and president Steve O’Meara, who recognized from the company’s founding in 1971 that keeping production local was required to control quality and continually develop the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world.
“We’ve proven for 50 years that keeping our production in the United States allows us to adhere to the highest levels of quality and functionality,” said Turner. “This expansion allows us to deepen our devotion to making the best paddling gear available.”
About Kokatat Inc.
Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California, for almost 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! Learn more at kokatat.com.
