In a letter to Ranger Boats dealers last week that followed the recent resignations of three of the company's top executives, Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris indicated that production of the Triton and Stratos brands might be moved out of Flippin, Ark. Ranger, Triton and Stratos comprise Fishing Holdings, which was purchased by BPS from a private equity firm a year ago.
"We are contemplating moving the production of Triton and Stratos boats from Flippin to increase capacity and enable us to better serve Triton and Stratos dealers and their customers," Morris said in the letter, which was obtained by Canada-based Boating Business. "We believe this action will also free up space for increased production of Ranger brand fresh- and saltwater boats and accessories in Flippin. We want to get you and your customers boats, parts and accessories in a timely and efficient manner."
The letter also mentioned that BPS will combine the Fishing Holdings brands with its own Tracker Marine Group (which manufactures Nitro along with the lower-end Bass Tracker boats) to form the White River Marine Group.
"In this regard, we are eager to share and to make available as appropriate many of the significant resources available from Bass Pro Shops and Tracker to help strengthen the Ranger brand and your business," the letter stated. "At the same time, we respect the need to maintain independence and brand integrity, and in that regard, we have no plans to sell Fishing Holdings brands through Bass Pro Shops stores."
Ranger president Randy Hopper, vice president of sales and marketing Keith Daffron and vice president of finance Mendel Hughes all resigned abruptly on the same day in late November. "Recruiting the most talented leaders possible to fill these vacated positions is a top priority," Morris said in the letter to dealers.
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