Northern Lights Opens Branch Office in Louisiana
Marine power generation and climate control products manufacturer Northern Lights has opened its fifth branch office, in Kenner, La, to enhance service to Gulf and inland waterways boat builders and vessel operators.
The new Northern Lights Gulf branch, which will employ a full-time sales, parts and service staff, will warehouse marine, industrial and commercial series products. The new branch will service customers in the Gulf of Mexico and navigable inland waterways in the Midwest and Eastern regions of the U.S., including the region’s key ports: New Orleans, Houston, Pensacola and Paducah.
“Brown water operators face challenges and opportunities that are unique in the marine industry,” said Northern Lights Vice President and General Manager Brian Vesely. “They contend with emission and competition requirements that deserve a focused, customer-driven response. With the opening of NL Gulf, we are solidifying our commitment to providing the industry’s best support to this important marketplace.”
Rick Stinson has been appointed Northern Lights Gulf Branch Manager. Stinson has decades of experience in the Gulf and Inland Waterways boating community, having spent the prior twenty years as Sales Manager for Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc. in support of sales and market development in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the east coast and inland waterways. He has over 38 years combined experience in the marine industry, including sales for Schottel propulsion systems, sales management for Iveco Aifo, distribution for Volvo Penta Marine and yard management for the original Halter Marine Group.
For the past 27 years, the Gulf and inland waterways has been supported by the Northern Lights South Florida branch, under the leadership of Nathan Price. Having established its dealer network in the area, Northern Lights said now is an appropriate time to open a new branch office to bolster service for Gulf and inland waterways customers.