New Zealand-based manufacturer of shock mitigation seating Shark Limited has been acquired by US-based Springfield Marine Company.
Shark Limited was founded in 2013 and has developed patented shock mitigation systems and a range of lightweight boat seats designed to enhance boaters’ safety.
Springfield Marine, based in Missouri, has been developing and manufacturing marine seating for more than 70 years.
The acquisition will enable Shark to continue its expansion into the recreational marine sector.
“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,” said Caroline Carnahan, Springfield Marine owner.
The firm, which recently embarked on an expansion across Europe, offers a full seating line, including folding seats, bucket seats and helm seats for the leisure and commercial marine sectors.
With the acquisition of Shark Seating, Springfield Marine continues its leadership role by bringing the Shark technology to the global marine market.
Caroline Carnahan, Springfield Marine owner
“When I joined this company one year ago, our team identified numerous areas for product line expansion, and shock mitigation was our number one,” explained 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.”
At the core of the Shark system is a patented three-axis suspension system, Flex, which offers 225mm of travel and is designed to be corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and durable. The system has been developed to reduce vertical and lateral vibrations up to 10G of force.
The company’s latest development is the Flexpod which stacks two suspensions to create a system with 300mm of travel, offering up to 6G of shock mitigation.
“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,” added Paul Zwaan, Shark Limited founder.
“Joining the Springfield Marine team allows us to accelerate the timeline and reach more boaters.”
