Shark Seating acquired by US firm
US-based Springfield Marine Company has acquired Shark Limited, a New Zealand-based manufacturer specialising in shock mitigation technology for marine environments.
Shark Limited, founded in 2013, has developed patented shock mitigation systems and a range of lightweight boat seats designed to enhance boaters’ safety. The firm recently embarked on an expansion across Europe.
Nixa, Missouri-based Springfield Marine is a marine seating specialist offering a full seating line, including folding seats, bucket seats, and helm seats for the leisure and commercial sectors.
“Springfield Marine has been a leader in the marine seating business for over 70 years,” says Caroline Carnahan, owner of Springfield Marine. “With the acquisition of Shark Seating, Springfield Marine continues its leadership role by bringing the Shark technology to the global marine market and expanding their coverage into the recreational marine markets in addition to their traditional markets of military, law enforcement, and rescue.”
Paul Zwaan, founder of Shark Limited, adds: “Since our first installations in New Zealand Navy boats, the goal has always been to make suspension seating available to all boat users, yielding a more fun, safe, and comfortable boating experience. Joining the Springfield Marine team allows us to accelerate the timeline and reach more boaters.”
The core of the Shark system is the patented three-axis suspension system, Flex, which offers 225mm of travel and is designed to be corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and durable. This system reduces vertical and lateral vibrations up to 10G of force. The latest development, Flexpod, enables stacking two suspensions to create a system with 300mm of travel, offering up to 6G of shock mitigation.
“When I joined this company one year ago, our team identified numerous areas for product line expansion, and shock mitigation was our number one,” says Springfield Marine president, Mike Folkerts.
“With this acquisition, we not only cover that base but do it in a way that holds true to our mission of meeting the needs of boaters with unique technology at a cost position that is the best in the market. Springfield Marine looks forward to bringing this technology to the global boating market.”
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