ABOVE: Waterpark features by AquaBlue. Courtesy Palm Island Indoor Waterpark, Batavia, NY, USA
Montreal, QC, Canada (November 13, 2015) — Vortex Aquatic Structures International, a manufacturer and world leader in aquatic play landscapes and entertainment solutions, announced that it has acquired AquaBlue, a Cornelius, NC-based designer and manufacturer of waterslides and water play equipment. Formed in 2008, AquaBlue is a fast-growing waterslide company, and is focused on developing innovative products for the municipal and commercial market segments.
Both companies are privately held. AquaBlue employees will remain with the new company, and continue to work from the company’s North Carolina offices.
AquaBlue’s expertise lies in its design, engineering, manufacturing, and project management of its full range of waterslides for city pools, parks and recreation facilities as well as water parks, and theme parks. 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.
“This acquisition complements Vortex’s product line by adding a broad portfolio of waterslides as well as strong relationships with municipal and commercial customers,” said Stephen Hamelin, president and CEO of Vortex. “We’ve long admired AquaBlue’s waterslides. They are well engineered and are quality products. Their culture fits well with ours, given a commitment to excellence, innovation and infrastructure. Customers will benefit from having a single design source.”
According to Hoy, “The Vortex brand is well-known for innovation. 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. We also gain access to Vortex’s global marketing, distribution and sales support channels.”
The combined company has installations located at park and recreation facilities, municipal pools, community aquatic centers, water parks, theme parks, YMCAs, fitness clubs, hotel/resort water parks, campgrounds, and residential developments.