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Bass Pro Shops Acquires Hobie Water Sports Brand
Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group have officially acquired Hobie, the legendary California-based water sports company, in a move that brings manufacturing jobs back from Mexico to Lebanon, Missouri. The acquisition unites two pioneering brands with a combined 128 years of watercraft innovation.
The deal connects Johnny Morris, who started Bass Pro Shops in 1972 from an 8-foot section of his father’s liquor store, with the legacy of the late Hobie Alter, who began crafting surfboards in his parents’ garage in 1950. Morris revolutionized boating in 1978 with the Bass Tracker, the first nationally marketed pre-rigged boat package, while Alter pioneered pedal-drive kayaks and lightweight catamarans.
Hobie now joins White River Marine Group’s impressive portfolio, which includes Tracker, Ranger, Nitro, Triton, Mako, and Ascend brands. With global distribution in over 70 countries, the acquisition expands Hobie’s reach while ensuring products remain American-made.
The Missouri Ozarks location isn’t just symbolic; it’s strategic. The region boasts deep outdoor recreation roots and skilled craftspeople known for quality manufacturing. Lebanon’s existing White River Marine facility will expand to accommodate Hobie production, leveraging the area’s specialized workforce.
“We have developed a footprint and workforce around aluminum fishing boat manufacturing. We’re the aluminum fishing boat capital of the world,” said Brian Thompson, President of Lebanon Regional Economic Development.
The move to bring manufacturing jobs back to America has generated enthusiastic support from officials at all levels. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe praised the decision, stating, “This investment is strengthening the community of Lebanon while contributing to Missouri’s reputation as a prime destination for both business and outdoor adventure.”
Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership, highlighted the broader significance: “Their decision to reshore jobs to our state is a testament to Missouri’s skilled workforce and pro-business environment. We are looking forward to adding Hobie watercraft to the long list of innovative products and storied brands that are made in Missouri.”
Local officials are equally excited. Lebanon Mayor Jared Carr expressed gratitude for the expansion: “This additional expansion in Lebanon will create new opportunities for our amazing workforce for many more years to come.”
Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, emphasized state support: “DED is excited to support White River Marine Group as they help Missourians prosper in Lebanon.”
Johnny Morris emphasized the community impact: “This move will bring jobs back to America and into the heartland, which is great for the community of Lebanon and the surrounding areas.” The acquisition also strengthens Morris’s conservation mission, with Bass Pro Shops donating over 10 percent of earnings to conservation efforts for more than a decade.
The legendary Hobie fishing experience that anglers love will soon be crafted entirely in Missouri as Bass Pro Shops brings production back to American shores
The timing provides welcome news for Lebanon, which saw manufacturing layoffs in 2024. City officials called the Hobie acquisition a “major win” that signals renewed growth in the region’s marine manufacturing sector.
This acquisition represents more than a business deal; it’s a homecoming that reflects America’s renewed focus on domestic manufacturing and job creation. As companies increasingly prioritize bringing production back to American soil, the Hobie deal exemplifies a growing movement to strengthen the nation’s manufacturing base and reduce dependence on foreign production. For Lebanon and the broader Ozarks region, it signals that American craftsmanship and quality remain competitive on the world stage.
The post Bass Pro Shops Acquires Hobie Water Sports Brand appeared first on OutdoorHub.
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Bass Pro Shops Acquires Hobie Water Sports Brand
Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group have officially acquired Hobie, the legendary California-based water sports company, in a move that brings manufacturing jobs back from Mexico to Lebanon, Missouri. The acquisition unites two pioneering brands with a combined 128 years of watercraft innovation.
The deal connects Johnny Morris, who started Bass Pro Shops in 1972 from an 8-foot section of his father’s liquor store, with the legacy of the late Hobie Alter, who began crafting surfboards in his parents’ garage in 1950. Morris revolutionized boating in 1978 with the Bass Tracker, the first nationally marketed pre-rigged boat package, while Alter pioneered pedal-drive kayaks and lightweight catamarans.
Hobie now joins White River Marine Group’s impressive portfolio, which includes Tracker, Ranger, Nitro, Triton, Mako, and Ascend brands. With global distribution in over 70 countries, the acquisition expands Hobie’s reach while ensuring products remain American-made.
The Missouri Ozarks location isn’t just symbolic; it’s strategic. The region boasts deep outdoor recreation roots and skilled craftspeople known for quality manufacturing. Lebanon’s existing White River Marine facility will expand to accommodate Hobie production, leveraging the area’s specialized workforce.
“We have developed a footprint and workforce around aluminum fishing boat manufacturing. We’re the aluminum fishing boat capital of the world,” said Brian Thompson, President of Lebanon Regional Economic Development.
Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership, highlighted the broader significance: “Their decision to reshore jobs to our state is a testament to Missouri’s skilled workforce and pro-business environment. We are looking forward to adding Hobie watercraft to the long list of innovative products and storied brands that are made in Missouri.”
Local officials are equally excited. Lebanon Mayor Jared Carr expressed gratitude for the expansion: “This additional expansion in Lebanon will create new opportunities for our amazing workforce for many more years to come.”
Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, emphasized state support: “DED is excited to support White River Marine Group as they help Missourians prosper in Lebanon.”
Johnny Morris emphasized the community impact: “This move will bring jobs back to America and into the heartland, which is great for the community of Lebanon and the surrounding areas.” The acquisition also strengthens Morris’s conservation mission, with Bass Pro Shops donating over 10 percent of earnings to conservation efforts for more than a decade.
The legendary Hobie fishing experience that anglers love will soon be crafted entirely in Missouri as Bass Pro Shops brings production back to American shores
The timing provides welcome news for Lebanon, which saw manufacturing layoffs in 2024. City officials called the Hobie acquisition a “major win” that signals renewed growth in the region’s marine manufacturing sector.
This acquisition represents more than a business deal; it’s a homecoming that reflects America’s renewed focus on domestic manufacturing and job creation. As companies increasingly prioritize bringing production back to American soil, the Hobie deal exemplifies a growing movement to strengthen the nation’s manufacturing base and reduce dependence on foreign production. For Lebanon and the broader Ozarks region, it signals that American craftsmanship and quality remain competitive on the world stage.
The post Bass Pro Shops Acquires Hobie Water Sports Brand appeared first on OutdoorHub.
Continue reading...