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Local manufacturer YakAttack highlights growth, hiring challenges in Farmville business spotlight
Summary
YakAttack, a kayak-accessories manufacturer based in Farmville, told the board it has grown rapidly and is committed to local job creation but faces difficulty recruiting technical leadership in the region.
YakAttack, a Farmville-based manufacturer of kayak fishing accessories and related marine products, presented a business-spotlight update to the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, describing rapid product innovation and growth as well as local hiring challenges.
Dave Martin, chief executive officer of YakAttack, told the board the company was founded about 15 years ago and has grown after acquisition by new owners two and a half years ago. "We've been growing rapidly and adding to the business. We have a great core of team members," Martin said. He described efforts to build technical capabilities locally and to partner with educational institutions to grow a skilled workforce.
Martin said YakAttack considered an acquisition that could have added roughly 100 jobs, but that deal did not proceed. "As we thought about the growth and adding that many jobs to this community quickly and technical, a lot of those are technically oriented jobs. How do we do that?" he asked, describing workforce development as a near-term challenge.
The company also highlighted local support from the county, the town and institutions such as Longwood University. Martin said the company's goal is to add sustainable career opportunities and to continue U.S.-based manufacturing. The presentation was given as part of the board's recognitions and economic development updates; no board action was required.
