October 03, 2013
Z Marine North America, LLC, formerly Zodiac Recreational of North America, LLC, is proud to announce that for the first time in the company’s history, the largest Zodiac Recreational dealer in the world can be found in the USA. Defender Industries, located in Waterford, Connecticut, has achieved this lofty status by recording the highest sales volume of all 1600 Zodiac Recreational dealers worldwide for Zodiac’s 2013 annual season.
Defender Industries’ performance and continued growth parallels the overall success Zodiac Recreational has experienced in North America in recent years. “Overall, annual sales in North America have been consistently rising, as we have seen a 20% increase within the last two years. This is in-line with Defender’s performance, who have seen an 18% increase in overall sales from 2012,” stated Gary Durnan, Vice President of Zodiac Recreational Sales.
“The future in North America is very promising as we are seeing an increase in boaters choosing RIBs as primary vessels. Recreational boaters and first responders alike recognize the improved handling of a RIB in rough water, the overall stability of an inflatable for boarding, the forgiveness of the tubes and the environmental advantages such as a better fuel economy and reduced load weight while towing” added Durnan.
Of all the RIBS Zodiac Recreational sells in North America, nearly 90% of them are built at their North American manufacturing facility in Summerville, SC. The Summerville facility also supplies the Yachtline and Bayrunner Series’ for the entire Zodiac global operation. “Having the majority of our product being USA built is a huge advantage from both a sales and operational standpoint,” stated Zodiac Director of Operations Mike Mitchell. “The Yachtline and Bayrunner Series’ are cornerstones of the Zodiac product line, solidifying the North American business as an integral part of the overall Zodiac global operation” said Mitchell.
Z Marine North America, LLC – a subsidiary of Z Marine International, the world’s largest manufacturer of RIBs, inflatable boats, life rafts and safety equipment, and the world’s oldest and most recognized manufacturer of inflatable boats – is an NMMA certified marine manufacturer of RIBs and inflatable boats with an extensive production, distribution and customer service operation throughout North America for recreational purposes.
