KODA Enterprises Group Through its Holding Company, Water-Land, LLC, Acquires Load Rite Trailers, LLC, a Leading Supplier of Specialty Trailers and Aftermarket Components to the Marine Industry

Waltham, MA – February 1, 2022
For Immediate Release

KODA Enterprises Group announced today the acquisition of Load Rite Trailers, LLC, through its existing wholly owned holding company Water-Land, LLC, owner of Continental Trailers (Water-Land Manufacturing & Supply). The acquisition of Load Rite is highly strategic, expanding Water-Land’s marine trailer manufacturing and distribution capabilities across a complete line of boat trailers. Load Rite’s locations in Fairless Hills, PA, and Washington, NC, combined with Continental’s multiple sites in Florida provides coverage of the entire U.S. eastern seaboard from Maine to Florida, as well as coverage into eastern Canada. Combined, the companies represent the largest non-OEM marine trailer manufacturer in the country

The existing shareholders of Load Rite will retain a meaningful minority interest in the combined entity. Current management of Load Rite will remain in place to grow the business with Mr. Tom Morrison, existing President and CEO, continuing in his role with Load Rite.

In a joint statement Mr. Morrison and Mr. Kelly Hays, President and CEO of Water-Land, said, “We are excited about the combination of these two companies and the great benefits it will provide to our customers. With the added scale the combination brings we can continue to focus on being the premier supplier of quality boat trailers and supplies to the growing enthusiast marine products market.”

Load Rite has outstanding capabilities in its production, sales, and distribution processes, and has significantly outperformed the market since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. William Karol, President and CEO of KODA Enterprises Group, said, “Since we acquired Continental our goal has been to find additional strong companies in this market space. In Load Rite we found a company with very similar capabilities, mission and culture with an excellent management team to take the company to the next level.”

KODA Enterprises Group, located in Waltham, MA, is a middle market private investment firm that concentrates on companies in niche markets that have the potential to benefit from the financial strength and operational expertise KODA provides to its portfolio companies.
Financing for the transaction is being provided by Needham Bank, Boston MA, and Assurance Mezzanine, Orlando FL. The seller was represented by independent investment banking firm Brown Gibbons Lang & Company, headquartered in Cleveland, OH.

For further information contact:

James H. Peden, Chief Operating Officer
KODA Enterprises Group, 423-756-8891 jpeden@koda.com

Or

John Karol, Director of Corporate Development
KODA Enterprises Group, 781-392-9216 jkarol@koda.com

KODA Enterprises Group Announces Organization Changes

Waltham, MA – June 3, 2019
For Immediate Release

KODA Enterprises Group is pleased to announce today the promotion of Ms. Janice Hodson to Chief Financial Officer of KODA Enterprises and the addition of Mr. John Karol to the position of Director of Corporate Development.

Janice joined KODA in 2016 as Director of Corporate Development after serving as CFO of KODA’s portfolio company KLW Plastics.  Janice previously held senior management positions at various manufacturing companies.  She also worked in public accounting for ten years.  Janice holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and is a certified public accountant.

Janice will be responsible for all financial aspects of KODA as well as overseeing the financial operations of KODA’s portfolio companies.  She will also be responsible for securing and maintaining relations with our lending partners, overseeing due diligence for new deals and assisting in closing new opportunities.

John began his career in 2015 with Antolini Do Brazil after receiving his undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University in 2014.  John later worked for Bradford Soap Works as Assistant to the CFO.  John received his MBA from Babson College in May of this year.

John will be responsible for sourcing and vetting new deals as well as assisting with diligence.  John will also assist in various other projects with KODA and its portfolio companies.

Please join me in welcoming John and congratulating Janice on their new positions at KODA.

KODA Enterprises Group located in Waltham (MA) is a middle market private investment firm that concentrates on companies in niche markets that have the potential to benefit from the financial strength and operational expertise KODA provides to its portfolio companies.

For further information contact:

James H. Peden, Chief Operating Officer
KODA Enterprises Group, 423-756-8891  jpeden@koda.com

KODA Enterprises Group Acquires Continental Trailers / Water-Land Supply (Water-Land)

Waltham, MA – August 7, 2018
For Immediate Release

KODA Enterprises Group announced today the acquisition of Continental Trailers and Water-Land Supply with locations in Miami, Florida and Clearwater, Florida.

Water-Land is a leader in the Southeast where it maintains entrenched, long term relationships with boat dealers and manufacturers, marine accessory dealers, and trailer dealers.  The company’s product line covers a wide variety of trailers for saltwater boats, personal watercrafts, Jon boats, skiffs, pontoons, kayaks, canoes, jet skis and catamarans.  The wholesale distribution division carries thousands of aftermarket parts and accessories.

According to Janice Hodson, KODA Enterprises Director of Corporate Development, “We believe that Water-Land’s strong track record, corporate culture and long-term growth prospects all fit nicely with KODA’s strategy of locating and partnering with strong companies and management teams to make them even better.”

Mr. Kelly Hays has been appointed President and CEO of the new Water-Land.  Kelly has spent many years with the company most recently as Executive Vice President.  Said Kelly, “We are excited to have KODA as our new owner and look forward to working with them to continue and enhance our growth and we look forward to an exciting future together.”

KODA Enterprises Group located in Waltham (MA) is a middle market private investment firm that concentrates on companies in niche markets that have the potential to benefit from the financial strength and operational expertise KODA provides to its portfolio companies.

Financing for the transaction is being provided by Webster Bank, Boston MA and Harvest Capital Credit, New York, NY.  The seller was represented by the investment banking firm of Sperry Mitchell, New York, NY.

For further information contact:

James H. Peden, Chief Operating Officer
KODA Enterprises Group, 423-756-8891 jpeden@koda.com

Or

Janice Hodson, Director of Corporate Development
KODA Enterprises Group, 513-846-3864 jhodson@koda.com

Cincinnati Business Courier Announces KLW as Finalist for the 2015 Innovation & Technology Awards

By Nikki Kingery, Projects Editor- Cincinnati Business Courier

The Cincinnati Business Courier announced the finalists today for its fifth annual Innovation & Technology Awards. The awards recognize businesses and individuals that have helped fuel the region’s economy through new ideas and approaches. Categories were expanded this year from five to 10. The 42 finalists are:

Outstanding Marketing Innovation:

  • Assurex Health
  • Ahalogy
  • C2B Solutions
  • Lisnr
  • Skinny Mom

Outstanding Bioscience Innovation:

  • Airway Therapeutics
  • Assurex Health
  • Enable Injections
  • Microbial Robotics

Outstanding Advanced Engineering:

  • AMP Electric Vehicles
  • Enable Injections
  • Intelligrated
  • KLW Plastics
  • KW River Hydroelectric
  • Polymet Corp.

Best Software Product:

  • Ahalogy
  • CoupSmart LLC
  • MedaCheck LLC

Best IT Services Company:

  • Ascendum Solutions
  • Contingent Network Services
  • Pomeroy
  • Socius

Tech Company of the Year:

  • Ahalogy
  • Assurex Health
  • Gaslight LLC
  • RoundTower Technologies
  • Vora Ventures

Tech Team of the Year:

  • Melink Corp.
  • Strap
  • Zimcom

Best Device/Application:

  • MedaCheck LLC
  • NexGen Consultants
  • Perceptive Devices LLC
  • TREW Grip LLC

Most Promising Startup:

  • Ahalogy
  • Enable Injections
  • Lisnr
  • Simplify3D

Best Chief Technology Officer/Chief Information Officer:

  • Rick Hensley, Messer Construction Co.
  • Robert Nichols, Appica
  • Radu Pavel, TechSolve
  • Glenn Warden, Bahl and Gaynor Investment Counsel

The winners will be announced during an awards event on Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202.  Click here for registration information.

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Click here to view the article on line

 

KLW Plastics Introduces New Line of Lightweight, Sustainable Packaging Solutions

UN Approved Containers Reduce Environmental Impact

Monroe, OH

KLW Plastics, a leading manufacturer of 3.5 – 7 gallon tight-head containers, is proud to announce a new line of lightweight, sustainable packaging solutions. The E-Tainer® line of products focuses on source reduction, increased use of post-consumer resin (PCR), multi-layer manufacturing technology, and combined hybrid technology through the use of RockTenn’s precision mandrel formed Meta® corrugated cases.

This line of packaging solutions includes four new container configurations designed to meet customer demand.  The  E-Tainer® Global, a 950 gram, UN rated tight-head container with an international design for global uniformity, the E-Tainer® Hybrid, a UN rated 450 gram lightweight container combined with a Meta® corrugated case, the E-Tainer® Kube, a collapsible, semi-rigid bladder-in-a-box, and the E-Tainer® Flex, a bag-in-box flexible packaging solution. Environmental benefits include:

• Up to 80% less plastic used compared to a standard tight-head container

• Reduced energy use

• Corrugated weighs up to 30% less while maintaining container integrity

• Boxes are 100% recyclable

“We recognized the need for lightweight, innovative packaging solutions in today’s competitive environment. Our access to the latest manufacturing technology and partnerships with industry experts, allowed us to quickly respond to customers’ needs with the E-Tainer® Line,” said Scott Dowrey, President and CEO. “We remain committed to innovation and continuous improvement. Developing sustainable value propositions that improve operational efficiency and reduce packaging costs clearly demonstrates our focus on that commitment.”

For more information about KLW Plastics, please visit: www.klwplastics.com

About KLW Plastics

KLW Plastics is a leading manufacturer of 1-7 gallon UN & non-regulated, rigid and semi rigid, tight-head plastic containers serving a broad array of markets. KLW Plastics is headquartered in Monroe, Ohio, with additional manufacturing facilities in Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.klwplastics.com.

Contact: Kathleen Jay KLW Plastics 513-539-2673

kjay@klwplastics.com

KLW Plastics Inc. Receives ISO 9001:2008 Certification

Certification for quality management includes all manufacturing facilities.  

Monroe, Ohio –  KLW Plastics Inc., a manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions, has received ISO 9001:2008 certification. This certification confirms that KLW Plastics has met the requirements of the ISO standard for its Quality Management System across all of its manufacturing facilities.

To achieve certification as an ISO 9001:2008 certified company, KLW Plastics underwent a comprehensive review and evaluation of its quality management activities across all areas of the business. These activities included the development and documentation of a quality management system, internal audits, and the elimination of non-conformances through corrective actions. Certification to the ISO 9001:2008 Standard demonstrates KLW Plastics’ unwavering commitment to delivering consistent, high quality products and services to customers. “Achieving ISO certification is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team at KLW Plastics,” said Scott Dowrey, President and CEO. “All colleagues were committed to our success in certification and committed to a continuous improvement platform to ensure we deliver the highest quality product to our customers every time.

” For more information about KLW Plastics, please visit: www.klwplastics.com

About KLW Plastics KLW Plastics is a leading manufacturer of 1-7 gallon UN & non-regulated, rigid, tight-head plastic containers serving a broad array of markets. KLW Plastics is headquartered in Monroe, Ohio, with additional manufacturing facilities in Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Contact: Kathleen Jay KLW Plastics

513-539-2673

kjay@klwplastics.com

Koda Celebrates 25 Years in Business

The Koda team assembled at their new corporate headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts for a cocktail party on September 11, 2014. The cocktail party hosted by CEO Bill Karol and his wife Sinesia was a celebration of 25 years in business. Approximately 50 guests were in attendance,  many of Koda’s “Corporate Bonds” were there to share in the accomplishment. So many who were there 25 years ago when it all began, took part in the evening.

Bill_Karol_speaks2

Short speeches of thanks and gratitude were given by Bill Karol, Bill Leaver and Jim Peden. The Koda team wished to thank everyone there for their role in Koda’s success. Here is to the next 25!

Koda_party

Koda_team_cropped
Leaver_Karol_Peden

 

 

KLW Plastics Announces Expansion of Monroe, Ohio Manufacturing Plant

KLW Plastics announced today that it will expand its Monroe, Ohio facility. The 25,000 sq. ft. expansion is designed to accommodate additional office, manufacturing and warehouse needs.

“We are highly committed to continual improvement of our value proposition” said Scott Dowrey, President and CEO of KLW Plastics. “This expansion will allow us to improve service to the growing Midwest customer base and support the new sustainable product development initiatives company wide.”

Since its founding eight years ago in Monroe, Ohio, KLW has become the leading provider of rigid, tight head containers serving a broad array of markets. The company currently operates manufacturing facilities in Monroe, Ohio, Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia.

www.klwplastics.com

For further information contact: Tom Gruber, National Sales Manager KLW Plastics 513-539-2673 tgruber@klwplastics.com

KLW Plastics Announces Guy Shipley Joins Sales and Development Team

KLW Plastics announced today that Mr. Guy Shipley has joined the company as Sales and Market Development Professional. Guy brings many years of experience and success in the plastic container industry, most recently as Dispensing Solutions Sales Manager for Kols Containers.

“We are excited to find someone of Guy’s caliber to strengthen the sales and development team as the company continues its rapid growth and product line expansion,” said Scott Dowrey, President and CEO of KLW Plastics. “His passion for our industry and enthusiasm for customer service will bring value to our organization and the customers we serve”.

Since its founding eight years ago in Monroe, Ohio, KLW has become the leading provider of rigid, tight head containers serving a broad array of markets. The company is currently expanding its Monroe, Ohio facility, operates a facility in Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia.

www.klwplastics.com

For further information contact: Tom Gruber, National Sales Manager KLW Plastics 513-539-2673 tgruber@klwplastics.com

KLW Plastics Announces a New President

KLW Plastics announced today that Mr. Scott Dowrey has joined the company as President and CEO. Scott brings many years of experience and success in the packaging industry to KLW most recently as President of Storopak, North America.

“We were fortunate to find someone of Scott’s caliber to lead KLW as the company continues its rapid growth,” said Jim Peden, Chief Operating Officer of KODA Enterprises Group, KLW’s owner. “The Board of Directors at KLW saw an immediate fit of Scott’s leadership skills and experience with KLW’s needs and we look forward to Scott and his team at KLW building on the success of the company.”

Since its founding eight years ago in Monroe, Ohio, KLW has become the leading provider of rigid, tight head containers serving a broad array of markets. The company has expanded several times in Monroe, added a facility in Houston, Texas in 2008 and opened a third facility in Atlanta, Georgia in July of 2012.

“I am excited to be joining such a dynamic organization and I look forward to working with our employees, customers and suppliers to make KLW an even stronger company” said Mr. Dowrey.

www.klwplastics.com

For further information contact: James Peden, Chief Operating Officer KODA Enterprises Group 423-756-8891 jpeden@koda.com