Yakima Racks Announces Sale of WaterMark Canoe & Kayak Division

Yakima Racks, manufacturer of vehicle car rack systems for cargo boxes, cargo gear, canoe, kayak, bike, ski, snowboard and surfboard equipment, recently announced it has sold off the WaterMark canoe and kayak division to Confluence Holdings Corp, located in Trinity North Carolina. Yakima Racks, now based in Beaverton, Oregon, explained that Arcapita, the holding company that owns Yakima Racks has sold the WaterMark boat division and has altered the corporate title to Yakima Products.

The company now intends to focus its energies solely on car rack systems. Effective immediately is the assumption of Jim Clark as CEO of Yakima Products, formerly CEO of WaterMark. Clark said, “Today marks the next phase of growth for Yakima Racks. With a new management team in place, a state-of-the-art facility, and a clear focus on advancing our products and customer service, we are well-equipped to take the company forward. We plan to utilize our enhanced sales, marketing and product design expertise to engineer superior products that provide an ever-expanding range of gear solutions that seamlessly connect people with their outdoor pursuits.”

The company has hired three executives in 2005, combining over 50 years of industry and design experience to the company. The executives are Steve Rodden, V.P. of product development, Chris Bogue, director of sales for the U.S. western territory and Amy Buckalter, senior V.P. of global sales and marketing. Also the company added that Doug Ragan, veteran sales director, will continue to manage sales in the eastern region of the U.S.

Buckalter stated, “We have a powerful stable of talented, creative thinkers who also understand the importance of strong execution. We are committed to providing continuous leadership to our retail partners through the development of distinctive product lines with a clear point of difference focused on providing not only effective, but imaginative, customer solutions.”

Yakima Racks is a world leader in the design and manufacture of car and truck rack systems for all types of vehicles. Yakima’s products include car racks for bike racks, kayak racks, canoe racks, bike racks, ski racks, snowboard racks, cargo roof boxes and roof baskets.