Look Carefully, or else your next kayak could be... "Made in China"!
Long before Canada was a nation, the Inuit and Native Peoples' had perfected the crafts we know today as canoes and kayaks. Voyageurs journeyed into the wilderness establishing the Fur Trade, opening up settlements in what has become Canada. Perhaps it's our rich paddling heritage and the vast amount of water within our boundaries that has made canoes & kayaks a part of what "Makes Us Canadian". Recent developments in the kayak industry may be leading to the erosion of what many consider part of our Canadian Legacy.
An increasing number of kayak companies are making the decision to move their production to China. Access to an endless labour force, low wages, questionable human rights and substandard working conditions has kayak executives licking their chops with an alternative way to cut costs and maximize profits. What types of kayaks are being made overseas? Contrary to the "Made in China is cheap" stigma, it may surprise you to learn it's the more expensive fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon boats that are being farmed out. Why, its simple, composite kayaks are much more labors intensive to produce than other kayak types, so savings are maximized. Vacuumed formed Thermoform kayaks and lower cost roto-mold kayaks require less man-hours to produce as they are largely machine made, therefore manufacturing is likely to remain here, for now.
Ironically former Canadian company Current Designs who had been already gobbled up by American giants, are now leading the exodus of large North American kayak companies setting up shop in Asia:
Necky Kayaks:
Originally established in B.C. Necky Kayaks is now owned by Johnson Outdoors. This U.S. Company has moved 40% of their composite sea kayak manufacturing to China, These models are stamped "Made In China" according and include: Eliza UL, Manitou 13 UL, Manitou 14 UL, and the Looksha 17. Necky's 6 highest-end Composites are still being made in Maine, USA.
Current Designs Kayaks:
Once Canadian, Current Designs (now owned by the Wenonah Canoe Co. in Minnesota) is manufacturing its new 2008 Vision Kayak Series in China.
Point 65n Kayaks:
Originally based in Sweden Point 65n Kayaks is making 100% of both their composite & roto-mold kayak production in China. Note: "Sweden" is plastered all over their web site and boats ... but ironically "made in China" stickers are no where to be found?
Epic Kayaks:
Epic Kayaks with their head office in Charleston SC have moved their kayak manufacturing to the Flying Eagle Boat Company of China.
Companies may go to great lengths to 'HIDE the FACT' that their kayaks are now made in Asia!
For every North American manufacturer who has moved kayak production offshore, a larger number of companies will consider moving. "Big business" is sadly comical at times; when one big-box store commits - they all do, when one fast food joint successfully sets up shop - other chains quickly follow. The unfair Asian workplace has N. American kayak executives suddenly worried that if they don't move first their competition will!
A dizzying number of complex, logistical challenges await the companies who move production to Asia. Cultural and language barriers will initially slow manufacturing processes. Quality control, consistency and production issues will be daunting. Vast distances between companies and markets will slow shipping and add to distribution costs. Efficient customer service will be difficult as its easier, faster and less expensive to service a North American made kayak than a boat made in Asia. How good will kayak quality be when the boats finally reach paddlesports shops, that's the million-dollar question. What we do know is anyone currently involved with the manufacturing, distributing, promoting or retailing of Asian-made kayaks will be holding their collective breath until these boats make it into our stores and onto our waterways. Only time will tell whether Asian made kayaks will end up being the Holy Grail of profit some executives believe, or just a marketing nightmare.
For North American consumers buying a kayak "Made in China" should raise some moral, ethical and environmental questions:
* Are we taking jobs away from North Americans with every offshore boat purchase?
* Can these boats compete with Canadian & American made products proven quality?
* Do buyers care about inadvertently supporting human rights violators?
* Are we distroying our Countries manufacturing base with each big-ticket "Made in China purchase?
* What about the health concerns with Lead or other hazardous materials potentially in the craft?
* Does China's hidious environmental record concern you?
In the end it will be up to Canadian & U.S. consumers & retailers to rate how well, or not, these kayaks are made and if they can ethically justify a purchase. Before Buying Your Next Kayak You May Want to Ask... Where Was It Made?
PS: To help educate consumers we display a "Country of Manufacturing Origin Flag" Beside Every Boat On Our Website: www.frontenac-outfitters.com
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