Shimano snags PowerPro 1/5/2009
Posted: January 9th, 2009, 3:18 pm
Shimano snags PowerPro 1/5/2009
Shimano, which had traditionally focused on rods, reels and tackle storage, recently acquired Innovative Textiles and its PowerPro braided line brand.
According to Shimano American president Dave Pfeiffer, PowerPro manufacturing operations will remain in Grand Junction, Colo., but Innovative Textiles sales and marketing efforts will transition to Shimano American, which is based in Irvine, Calif.
Pfeiffer noted: "The extensive background that Konrad Krauland and his team at Innovative Textiles have in braiding and textile engineering is one of the key assets of our acquisition. Krauland will join our management team as a vice president, focusing on production, coordinating manufacturing and new-product development with Shimano offices worldwide."
Pfeiffer added that Shimano plans to aggressively market PowerPro branded products to the international sportfishing market. "While Konrad and Innovative Textiles have become a leader in braided fishing lines here in the U.S., the connection now with Shimano will allow us to grow the business throughout Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and Latin America."
Established in 1992, Innovative Textiles introduced PowerPro braided fishing line to the market in 1997. The company first started making Spectra fiber braid for kite flying, plus Krauland and his engineering staff were involved with other companies that needed their braiding expertise for some of the first braided fishing lines.
"To be able to make that next big leap – from a strong brand in the U.S. fishing market to one that will have solid global presence – we couldn't be happier now being part of Shimano American Corporation," Krauland said. "As we integrate our Grand Junction operations into Shimano's operation in Irvine and sales offices around the globe, we look forward to working on the next innovations in fishing line technology and other new products over the next years."
Shimano, which had traditionally focused on rods, reels and tackle storage, recently acquired Innovative Textiles and its PowerPro braided line brand.
According to Shimano American president Dave Pfeiffer, PowerPro manufacturing operations will remain in Grand Junction, Colo., but Innovative Textiles sales and marketing efforts will transition to Shimano American, which is based in Irvine, Calif.
Pfeiffer noted: "The extensive background that Konrad Krauland and his team at Innovative Textiles have in braiding and textile engineering is one of the key assets of our acquisition. Krauland will join our management team as a vice president, focusing on production, coordinating manufacturing and new-product development with Shimano offices worldwide."
Pfeiffer added that Shimano plans to aggressively market PowerPro branded products to the international sportfishing market. "While Konrad and Innovative Textiles have become a leader in braided fishing lines here in the U.S., the connection now with Shimano will allow us to grow the business throughout Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and Latin America."
Established in 1992, Innovative Textiles introduced PowerPro braided fishing line to the market in 1997. The company first started making Spectra fiber braid for kite flying, plus Krauland and his engineering staff were involved with other companies that needed their braiding expertise for some of the first braided fishing lines.
"To be able to make that next big leap – from a strong brand in the U.S. fishing market to one that will have solid global presence – we couldn't be happier now being part of Shimano American Corporation," Krauland said. "As we integrate our Grand Junction operations into Shimano's operation in Irvine and sales offices around the globe, we look forward to working on the next innovations in fishing line technology and other new products over the next years."
