Kokatat is undertaking a significant expansion of its manufacturing and warehouse facilities – a move that will generate an estimated 30 new engineering and production jobs at its Northwestern California headquarters. Kokatat is a leading manufacturer of high-performance paddling gear and protective garments for government and military customers.

Kokatat’s expansion includes an additional 7,500 square feet of production space and 3,000 additional square feet of warehouse and shipping. All told, the additional space will increase the footprint of Kokatat’s headquarters by 40 per cent, the company said in a media statement.

Kokatat has been firmly committed to domestic manufacturing beginning with founder and president Steve O’Meara, who recognised from the company’s founding in 1971 that keeping production local was required to control quality and continually develop the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world. This commitment also supports Kokatat’s ability to supply US government entities with protective garments for those working in dangerous environments.

“By growing our space and team here in Arcata, we will be able to better support the growth we’ve seen in both our outdoor sports and government business sectors. More than 90 per cent of our annual revenues are generated by the garments we make here in Arcata. Our commitment to domestic manufacturing is vital to our continued growth,” Jeff Turner, Kokatat’s director of sales said.

“We’ve proven for 50 years that keeping our production in the US allows us to adhere to the highest levels of quality and functionality. This expansion allows us to deepen our devotion to making the best paddling and protective gear available,” Turner added.