Swell Watercraft has successfully raised over $145,000 @ Wefunder.com on it’s quest to build a world class roto molding facility in the US. Now it’s taking the next steps towards fulfilling that goal.
According to GM Jim Marsh, the time is now to bring manufacturing jobs back to the USA. “We’ve seen prices soar for imported kayaks during the international shipping crisis Covid ushered in. All things considered, the US is now the most advantageous place in the world for manufacturing processes such as roto molding. We DEFINTELY want to be a part of it.”
Construction has begun on the roto mold machine(known as a Rock ‘n Roll Oven), which will weigh over 2 tons when finished. It’s being built by Celliers Kruger in South Africa. He runs the factory that currently makes Swell’s kayaks, and is the creator of the Poly2 plastic formula-which makes lighter and stiffer kayaks than anything currently made in North America. Celliers is utilizing is 20 years of experience to build his most high end and durable oven to date. It is expected to be finished in 2 months.
Meanwhile, Swell has decided to move it’s base of operations to Ames, Iowa starting July 1. They’ve been lured in by incentives from the Corn Belt Power Collective, an organization that provides low interest, long term loans and operates Industrial Parks throughout rural Iowa. Negotiations are on going between the 2 parties, as Swell attempts to nail down a final location for it’s factory and roto molding oven. “The Collective had incredible incentives, and Iowa offers a more centralized location to ship from. Kind of a no-brainer, all things considered” Marsh mentioned.
In the meantime, they continue to import their kayaks from Kruger’s South African factory, where Stealth, Vagabond, Jackson Europe and Design kayaks are currently manufactured.
The Wefunder campaign, where investors are purchasing equity shares in the Swell company, ends until June 30.