Pelican Intl Inc. announced it has acquired The KL Companies, Inc., a Muskegon, Michigan-based manufacturer known as KL Outdoor, in a move aimed at accelerating its long-term growth strategy and reinforcing its leadership position in the North American paddlesports market.
The transaction combines Pelican’s premium product portfolio with KL Outdoor’s strength in value-oriented segments, creating a more comprehensive product ecosystem across all price points. The combined company is now positioned to offer a broader range of products to retailers and consumers while enhancing its competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving outdoor recreation market.
The acquisition also expands Pelican’s operational footprint in the United States, adding KL Outdoor’s Michigan-based manufacturing capabilities. This includes advanced extrusion, thermoforming, and rotomolding technologies, which are expected to improve supply chain resilience, increase production capacity, and enable faster fulfillment.
With more than 550 employees across facilities in Québec, South Carolina, and Michigan, Pelican is strengthening its cross-border manufacturing network and positioning itself for continued expansion into additional outdoor product categories beyond paddlesports.
KL Outdoor, founded in 1982, brings approximately 140 employees and a portfolio of widely recognized brands, including Sun Dolphin, Evoke, and Outta Site. The integration is expected to unlock new growth opportunities across both consumer and industrial segments while enhancing Pelican’s ability to serve as a contract manufacturing partner for complex, large-format products.
KEY QUOTES:
“This acquisition is a key step in executing our long-term vision. Our success is built on the dedication and skill of our people, and we are proud to welcome the KL Outdoor team. Together, we are creating more than just scale, we are strengthening our footprint that allows us to consolidate our leadership in paddlesports and accelerate our expansion into new outdoor categories. We are now positioned to deliver unmatched choice and value through an integrated manufacturing network spanning the US and Canada.”
Danick Lavoie, President and CEO, Pelican Intl Inc.
“Joining Pelican marks an exciting new chapter for our team. Our Michigan team’s dedication lives on, and together, we are part of a stronger organization with the scale to grow the category and create lasting value.”
Dave Baun, Vice President and General Manager, KL Outdoor
