On Friday, February 21st at the First Regular PIA Meeting hosted in Myrtle Beach, Sun Path Products and Rigging Innovations announced the planned merger of business operations to unify as one company under the Sun Path Products brand. Below is our formal press release:
Rigging Innovations was founded in 1985 in Perris, CA by Sandy and Brenda Reid. Sandy is a respected leader in the skydiving industry since making his first jump in 1970 and becoming a rigger in June of 1971. Sandy is most well known for the original patent on the articulated harness and the development of the Telesis, Talon, Voodoo, CPX and CURV container systems among others.
When asked why he wished to have Rigging Innovations merge with Sun Path Products, Reid replied, “My wife and I have no children or family who might be interested in continuing our legacy. We have dedicated our lives to skydiving and we couldn’t think of a better partner with the resources and innovation to take our brand and products forward the way Sun Path can. It’s a big day for us and the skydiving industry as a whole.”
Says Pat Thomas on the merger: “We’re thrilled to have our two companies come together as two compatible competitors with common markets but different offerings. Sandy and Brenda have built a great company that’s well respected and loved by those that jump their containers. Adding RI’s products with ours strengthens the Sun Path brand and we look forward to the merger being finalized to where all of our processes and procedures are streamlined and become one.”
While this merger has been announced, customers will not see any immediate changes in the near future. While the long term goal is to have all Rigging Innovations products be manufactured at Sun Path, this transition will be done slowly and deliberately to ensure no disruption of service. All dealer networks, ordering, service and support will continue as is until further notice.
Click to view the announcement video below:
Rigging Innovations and Sun Path Merge from Beyond Marketing on Vimeo.
In light of this merger, we are certain there will be questions. Here are answers to questions we anticipate in lieu of this announcement:
1. Why is Rigging Innovations being sold to Sun Path Products?
Rigging Innovations was originally established by Sandy and Brenda Reid in 1985 in Perris, CA. Sandy and Brenda have no children or family who might be interested in continuing Sandy’s legacy in the industry. Rigging Innovations and Sun Path Products are known as two of the most innovative harness and container design and manufacturing companies in the industry. We are excited for the future merger of two compatible competitors with common markets but different offerings.
2. I’ve seen the video that Rigging Innovations and it closes with a “Powered by Sun Path” – exactly what does that mean?
Products from Rigging Innovations are not being discontinued, but the long term goal of this merger is for RI products to be produced
in Raeford, NC at Sun Path’s headquarters.
3. Will Rigging Innovations and Sun Path Products continue to be produced?
Yes. All Rigging Innovations and Sun Path Products designed and manufactured after Jan 1, 2000 will continue to be supported and produced.
4. Who do I call to purchase spare parts for my RI products?
Until ther merger is finalized, business will continue as usual. You will contact RI to purchase spare parts.
5. If I need to send my RI rig in for any kind of maintenance, who would I call and where would I send it to?
Until the merger is finalized, business will continue as usual. You will contact RI for any maintenance on containers designed and manufactured after Jan 1, 2000.
6. Are there any changes in procedure that I should be aware of as it relates to ordering Rigging Innovations or Sun Path Products or receiving service?
No. Until the merger is finalized, business will continue as usual. Rigging Innovations and Sun Path Products will be ordered through their dealer networks. Contact Rigging Innovations or Sun Path Products respectively to receive customer service on any products designed and manufactured after Jan 1, 2000.
7. I’m a Rigging Innovations or a Sun Path Products dealer, how do we place orders at this time?
Presently, there is no change in procuedure. Until the merger is finalized, business will continue as usual. Rigging Innovations products will be ordered through www.rigginginnovations.com. SPP products will be ordered through www.sunpath.com. Dealers will be updated through dealer newsletters.
8. I’m a sponsored athlete of Rigging Innovations, will my sponsorship still be in effect?
All sponsored athlete contracts will continue to be honored through the duration of the contract.
9. Will Rigging Innovations harness containers and parts be manufactured by Sun Path Products in Raeford, NC?
Both locations will remain fully operational.
10. Will any of the RI or SPP products be phased out or discontinued?
In conjunction with the closing of the acquisition process, ALL Rigging Innovations and Sun Path Products manufactured before Jan 1, 2000, will no longer be supported or manufactured. See websites for updates as they are released.
