Confluence Watersports is adding a new rotational molding machine to its Easley, SC, facility that will increase annual production capacity “by over 20%.” Confluence is currently preparing for the arrival of the machine, which it expects to begin producing production quality boats in the first quarter of 2007.
“With an increase in preseason orders of almost 50 percent over last year, this new roto-molding oven will give us the production capacity we need to fulfill demand,” said Kelley Woolsey, Confluences EVP of Marketing and Sales. “We are making a considerable investment into the future of Confluence with the addition of the machine and other improvements, which will allow us to further strengthen our leadership position in the market and better serve our customers.”
In preparation for the delivery of the machine, Confluence is moving a number of its departments that are currently in the space that the machine will be housed. Additionally, Confluence is building a new mold preparation and maintenance facility.
“With the new mold facility and the relocation of some of our departments, we will increase product availability, be more efficient and will improve the quality of the boats being produced on all our machines,” added Woolsey.
The new machine is a biaxial rotational molding machine with 3 arms capable of producing 2 boats on each arm. The machine will primarily be used to build Perception, Mad River Canoe, Dagger and Wilderness Systems boats of 12 to 17 feet in the fastest growing segments of the sport to include performance recreational sit in and sit on kayaks, light touring and touring kayaks and the new performance recreational canoes.
