The Georgia Department of Economic Development announced that KL Outdoor, a manufacturer of outdoor equipment, will create more than 100 jobs and invest $8.3 million in Henry County. Newly created jobs include positions in manufacturing and distribution.

“We are excited to welcome KL Outdoor to Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Our workforce and strategic resources combined with the state’s solid logistics infrastructure makes Stockbridge a great location, as the company seeks to reach its customers more efficiently. Thank you to our local economic development partners who supported this project.”

KL Outdoors manufactures products including kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and paddleboards along with other outdoor equipment.

“We are very excited to partner with the Economic Development professionals of Henry County and the State of Georgia to open this important manufacturing and distribution center,” said Chuck Smith, KL Outdoor CEO. “The company expansion allows KL Outdoor to better serve our key customers by reducing the cost to deliver boats to their stores and ultimately the end-user.”

Headquartered in Muskegon, Michigan, the company recently merged with Quebec-based GSC Technologies making it the world’s largest kayak manufacturer.

GDEcD project manager Hank Evans represented the Global Commerce division in partnership with Georgia Power, Metro Atlanta Chamber and Henry County Development Authority.

“KL Outdoors is a welcomed addition to Henry County,” said David Gill, Chair of the Henry County Development Authority. “The company has selected a great location for its manufacturing and distribution operation.  We look forward to being an active part of their growth. “

“This facility expansion for KL Outdoor is a notable addition to metro Atlanta’s community of supply chain and logistics leaders,” said Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO Hala Moddelmog. “As the world’s largest maker of kayaks, KL Outdoor is a great fit for our region, particularly with the area’s vast outdoor water recreation amenities.”