KL Outdoor, the world's largest manufacturer of kayaks, announced Friday it will be relocating its world headquarters to downtown Muskegon, and officials from the 'Watch Muskegon' campaign say the move will have a long lasting effect on the community. While the kayak and paddle board company already has a manufacturing plant in the area, officials say the decision to move its corporate offices downtown is another sign that the city of Muskegon is booming.
“There will be at least 150 jobs, and there will be 50 executive jobs in our downtown. They’re putting the headquarters right on Muskegon Lake. And it’s super exciting for everyone.” Cindy Larson, the President of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce said.
Back in April, KL Outdoor, maker of Sun Dolphin kayaks, and GSC Technologies, maker of Future Beach kayaks, merged to form the world’s largest maker of kayaks. While phone calls to the company were not returned, Dave Alexander the Executive Director of Downtown Muskegon Now says, KL Outdoor’s move to downtown could have a ripple effect.
“It brings people downtown of means,” Alexander said. “And what is very impactful there is it will bring Millennials to want to first work in downtown, play in downtown and eventually live in downtown.”
The move by KL Outdoor to downtown Muskegon is another chapter in the city’s ongoing revitalization. According to Larson, over $1 Billion has been or is in the process of being invested in Muskegon County.
'Watch Muskegon' is a campaign created to highlight the progress the city is making while encouraging new businesses and residents to move to the area.
