The Wing Group acquires Kokatat
The Wing Group, a portfolio of marine and outdoor brands, has acquired Kokatat, a manufacturer of paddle sports apparel and equipment, marking a significant milestone for The Wing Group’s global growth.
Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California, for over 50 years. Founded by Steve O’Meara, offerings of paddling apparel include dry suits, life vests, jackets and insulation alongside accessories for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and whitewater rafting. The company also offers a custom dry suit service.
Kokatat has one of the largest private solar arrays in Humboldt County, with 132 solar panels producing about 26% of the power used in the factory annually.
The Wing Group and its companies – Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, FabTek Industries, and Mustang Survival – serves the marine and aviation industries with inflatable boats, life rafts, flotation, dry suits, and other tactical and survival solutions for recreational, commercial, and military customers.
With its HQ in Lafayette, California, and with international offices in the UK and Australia, it specialises in combatant crafts, high-performance marine gear for military, coast guard, rescue personnel and law enforcement, critical lifesaving solutions, and doors, windows, hatches and inflatable tubes for boat builders across its brands.
Andrew Branagh, CEO of the Wing Group, said:
“This acquisition further strengthens the Group’s whitewater and paddling presence. Kokatat has been firmly embedded in that vertical since its founding.
“We value the talent, technical knowledge, and the company’s unique bond with the river. Kokatat brings capabilities that few organizations possess—and Arcata remains a critical part of that expertise and legacy.”
Kokatat will continue to operate as an independent brand under the Wing Group with global support from Mustang Survival. Critical resources across the Wing Group will be shared across manufacturing, operations, IT and planning, and quality, while maintaining continuity for customers and partners.
Mark Loughmiller, CEO of Kokatat, will remain in a leadership position, working in partnership with Mark Branagh, current Director of US Commercial Sales at Mustang Survival, representing the Wing Group.