A manufacturer of aquatic play landscapes and entertainment solutions is entering the water slide market.
Montreal, Canada-based Vortex Aquatic Structures has acquired AquaBlue, a Cornelius, N.C.-based designer and manufacturer of water slides and water play equipment. The move helps the firm to better serve municipal and commercial segments with water slides.
As part of the agreement, AquaBlue employees will remain with the new company and continue to work its North Carolina offices. David Hoy, AquaBlue’s president will be staying on, and will drive the company’s design and engineering resources to continue to design and build innovative waterslides.
“By providing access to Vortex’s R&D capabilities and financial strength, this deal provides us with an opportunity to collaborate in the development of new innovative products,” he said in a press release. “We also gain access to Vortex’s global marketing, distribution and sales support channels.”
Part of the decision to purchase AquaBlue was based on the firm’s full range of water slides for city pools, parks, recreation facilities and waterparks, which complement the Vortex product line, said Vortex CEO/president Stephen Hamelin.
“We’ve long admired AquaBlue’s water slides,” Hamelin explained. “Their culture fits well with ours, given a commitment to excellence, innovation and infrastructure. Customers will benefit from having a single design source.”
