Athletic gloves specialist Cutters Gloves has acquired majority ownership of Nokona, the maker of high-end baseball and softball gloves and other diamond sports equipment. Nokona, which calls itself “the original American-made ball glove company,” will continue to be run by fourth-generation factory owner and company President Rob Storey, who will stay on as VP operations. Terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.
Nokona, which is headquartered in its namesake Texas town (spelled “Nocona”), prides itself in being the only company that mass produces baseball mitts on domestic soil.
Storey’s father, Bobby Storey, who will stay on as an ambassador of the brand, said he is “excited about extending the Nokona heritage as we enter the brand’s 85th year.”
Cutters Gloves, widely considered to be a high-end manufacturer in its own respect, has made considerable headway in professional and amateur sports circles since being founded in 1997. Representatives for Cutters called the adoption of the Nokona brand product line a “natural fit.”
In addition to bringing management expertise to Nokona, representatives for Cutters said the plan is to “re-energize” the Nokona brand and “to make Nokona's American heritage and fine products even more relevant to today’s consumer.”
