Sun Path Products and Rigging Innovations have announced the planned merger of their operations to unify as one company under the Sun Path Products brand.
This was announced on Friday 21 February at the PIA meeting in Myrtle Beach, at a surprise dinner. Sandy Reid played the below video and shared details of the merger, which sees Sun Path acquiring RI’s product line.
Rigging Innovations was founded in 1985 in Perris, CA by Sandy and Brenda Reid. Sandy is well known for the original patent on the articulated skydiving harness, and for the Telesis, Talon, Voodoo, CPX and Curv containers. Brenda Reid is in the Hall of Fame for her achievements.
When asked why he wished to have Rigging Innovations merge with Sun Path Products, Sandy 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.”
Sun Path CEO Pat Thomas said 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.”
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. Both locations remain fully operational at present. All dealer networks, ordering, service, sponsored athletes and support will continue as is until further notice.
All Rigging Innovations and Sun Path Products designed and manufactured after Jan 1, 2000 will continue to be supported and produced. However, 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.
FAQS about the merger are answered here
