Elkhart, Indiana-based RV component manufacturer Lippert Components has identified new growth opportunities in the recreational boating market.
In the wake of its acquisition of Signature Seating earlier this year, Lippert has invested in building its market share in the recreational boating market. “LCI is the leading provider of furniture solutions for the towable RV industry, and the addition of Signature and its experienced team provides immediate access to the pontoon boat market,” said LCI president Scott Mereness. “Fresh water boats, and in particular pontoon boats, are a natural extension of our collection of premium RV furniture.”
Rob Roehm, who was Signature’s CEO, will remain with LCI to help manage the business, which manufactures and supplies captain’s seats, swiveling bucket seats, lounge seats, flip flop seats with storage, arm rests, consoles and more. Under the direction of Ryan Smith, vice president of Lippert Interiors, Shannon Angle, a 15-year seasoned veteran of LCI’s furniture operation, will lead LCI’s efforts in the marine furniture market. Joining him is Michele J. Goldsmith, a seasoned marine industry veteran. The former National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Accessory Manufacturer Division chairwoman also sits on the NMMA board of directors, Grow Boating Initiative board of directors and American Boat & Yacht Council technical board of directors.
In addition, Lippert announced that the company has entered a national sales representation agreement for the marine aftermarket with Derema Group, a marine industry-focused national manufacturer’s representative firm. The newly combined teams’ objective is to grow LCI’s marine and RV furniture markets through cross-market synergy, innovative design and customer service. “We are bringing the same passion and commitment we have for the RV market into the marine industry with dedicated sales, operations and technical support,” said LCI director of aftermarket sales, Rick Worstell. “Michele is a long-time leader in the marine industry and will help us build a strong and experienced team that combines veteran Lippert Interiors and Electronics professionals and marine aftermarket representation from the Derema Group.”
Smith emphasized that the furniture team is already working with existing customers to get feedback and assess the furniture needs of fresh water boat manufacturers. “We want to unite our team’s knowledge and expertise of boat and RV furniture to develop fresh solutions for both markets,” said Smith. “There’s significant potential to grow marine and motorhome furniture business, and we’re ready to develop and deliver even more versatile, compact and comfortable furniture to enhance the mobile lifestyle.”
Since entering a six-year sup-ply agreement with Furrion in July 2015, LCI now also distributes premium Furrion brand electronics to boat manufacturers and dealers, including LED televisions, sound systems, navigation systems and power solutions. Furrion marine electronics have been engineered, designed and tested to meet the unique performance levels that the marine industry demands, including extreme travel vibrations and temperature variations.
The company has begun aggressively showcasing its product lines to boat manufacturers, and exhibited at the 2015 International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) trade show, held in Louisville in late September.
