Photo courtesy Sunrise Spas

Sunrise Spas in Grimsby, Ont., and Outback Essentials in Lakeland, Fla., have joined forces to purchase the operating assets of Tatum Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of portable spas in Tampa, Fla.

Sunrise has been producing Sunrise, Paragon and Whitewater brand spas for 22 years, as well as distributing its wares in Europe under the name Whitewater Spas, b.v.

Outback Essentials designs and builds spa cabinets and provides spa-testing services for many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the industry.

While they will remain separate legal entities and operations, Sunrise will occupy space at Outback to produce Tatum's Freestyle spa brand, in addition to producing a new line from its Canadian plant.

"Like many industries it is no secret the spa industry is under stress," says Sunrise president, Jack Layfield. "This acquisition and planned operation of manufacturing and distribution in both Canada and the U.S. helps us in several ways. Not only do we expand our product offerings to reach more customers, having facilities on both sides of the border allows us to hedge against currency fluctuations and offer stable pricing.

"In addition, we can better serve our customers in both markets with greater flexibility in manufacturing and distribution."