LA CROSSE, Wis. (BRAIN) — A nonprofit manufacturer with a commercial outdoor and consumer products subsidiary purchased U.S.-made custom sports apparel company Borah Teamwear for an undisclosed price.
Borah Teamwear Founder and President Chris Jackson told BRAIN the transaction with ORC Industries Inc. was structured as an asset sale and did not include its Coon Valley, Wisconsin, building. Borah Teamwear will operate under Redfeather Outdoors, ORC's commercial outdoor and consumer-products subsidiary.
He added Borah Teamwear's approximately 25 employees will move to a newly remodeled 20,000-plus square-foot space within ORC's existing campus in La Crosse, about 20 minutes from Coon Valley.
Borah Teamwear's gear for cyclists, runners, triathletes, and skiers will continue to be manufactured in Wisconsin. In addition to La Crosse, ORC also operates in Arcadia, Wisconsin, and Brownsville, Texas, producing products for defense, recreation, commercial partners, and offers employment opportunities for people with physical or mental disabilities.
"It's fair to say that hiring and retaining skilled sewing machine operators in a small, rural market like Coon Valley has become an increasing challenge," Jackson told BRAIN. "Partnering with ORC allows Borah to confidently position itself for long-term growth by leveraging the resources and stability of a well-established organization that has been operating since 1966."
Jackson, who will serve as Redfeather Outdoors president, said in its nearly 30 years, Borah Teamwear never posted a loss. "While the business remains profitable with healthy margins, this decision was primarily strategic, addressing workforce and scaling challenges we see ahead, while aligning with an organization that can provide the infrastructure and support necessary to compete in an increasingly competitive marketplace, all while maintaining Borah's Made in USA manufacturing position."
Redfeather Outdoors also manufactures snowshoes and canoes in La Crosse.
"Borah Teamwear is a strong fit for ORC and Redfeather Outdoors," said Scott Iverson, ORC Industries president and CEO. "We are excited to welcome their talented team and build on their legacy while expanding opportunities for meaningful employment and high-quality manufacturing in the United States."
