KL Outdoor/GSC Technologies Supplies Kayaks to Hurricane Harvey Rescue Effort
MUSKEGON, Mich., Aug. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As floodwaters rose in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, KL Outdoor/GSC Technologies, a New Water Capital portfolio company, got a call from Walmart's disaster response team: Two thousand kayaks were needed for flood rescue and relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana. In partnership with Walmart, the company jumped into action, shipping 2,000 of its Sun Dolphin brand kayaks—some 30 truck-loads—to areas hardest hit by devastating flooding.
KLO/GSC also is donating a truck-load of jon boats—approximately 50 boats—to Academy Sports + Outdoors, a Houston-based chain of sporting goods stores, to help with flood rescue efforts, said CEO Chuck Smith. Jon boats are small flat-bottomed fishing boats that are ideal for rescue efforts, capable of carrying multiple people and relief items, such as water and clothing.
KL Outdoor/GSC Technologies' Five Peaks brand portable outdoor toilets are in use as part of FEMA Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.
Smith said the surge of support for those in harm's way demonstrates the best in people. "Unfortunately, many of our customers are put in the situation where they are really having to struggle for their livelihoods," Smith said. "It's nice just to play a part in the rescue effort and help get those impacted around a little better.
"I think you see the best in people when you see this situation in Texas, and it gives you a good feeling. It lets you know that if you ever got put in that situation, other folks around the country would step up and help you."
New Water Capital partner Brian McGee said support for hurricane-relief efforts is particularly important to his Boca Raton, Florida-based firm. "Living and working on the Florida coast, we at New Water Capital know something about hurricanes and about what a difference it makes when neighbors, businesses and volunteers from all over the country chip in to help out," McGee said. "That's why we are especially proud of the support our portfolio company KL Outdoor / GSC Technologies is giving to rescue and relief efforts."
New Water Capital announced the merger of paddle sports companies KL Outdoor and GSC Technologies in April 2017, creating the largest kayak manufacturing company in the world.
Based in Muskegon, the combined company manufactures kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, paddle boats, hunting blinds, sleds, storage products, outdoor furniture and portable restrooms under the Sun Dolphin, Future Beach, Evoke, Extent, Equinox, Patriot, Heritage, Viper and Third Coast brands (all related to the company's watersports segment), Terrain (outdoor hunting products) and Five Peaks (portable restroom products) brands.
About New Water Capital, L.P.
New Water Capital, L.P. is a private equity firm focused on lower-middle market companies in transition, in the consumer, retail and industrial manufacturing and services sectors, with revenues of $30 million to $300 million. New Water Capital's collaborative transaction and operating model is built specifically to support companies in transition, building on their unique cultures and strengths. For more information, please visit www.newwatercap.com.
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SOURCE New Water Capital, L.P.
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