Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/328305
www.PowersportsBusiness.com ATV Powersports Business • June 16, 2014 • 19 ATV "But at that point we essentially closed the USA market. We're not adding any more distribu- tors for fear of saturating the brand and product lines. It was a long discussion internally, but we took a look at warehouse coverage for the mar- ket, and that's where we said 'OK, we're good' since we only work through distributors and no retailers of any kind." A down economy added to Namura's growth, with consumers opting to buy after- market pistons and gaskets to repair or upgrade their machines rather than buy new ones. "So that certainly led to growth, but you also have to consider the distributor support," Hentges said. "Namura started in 2001 as a new brand in the marketplace, so having our dis- tributors support and really be willing to take that leap of faith with us is a huge thing. Their continued support is shown by getting our new products into their catalogs and getting them out into the dealerships." Hentges doesn't overlook those who work alongside him, either. "Look at our internal operations," he said. "A company is only as good as its weakest link. If purchasing isn't maintaining inventory, it doesn't matter what I sell if the warehouse isn't shipping it out. Everybody needs to focus on the same goal, and thankfully that happens here." Hentges said dealers and distributors alike are able to capitalize on products that they can't get elsewhere. The all-new 2015 Pioneer 500 side-by-side carries two people to off-road adventures. It's also perfect for chores on the farm or a relaxed trail ride out in the country, and it carries an $8,499 MSRP. "My first drive in the Pioneer 500 was an eye-opener," said Lee Edmunds, manager of motorcycle marketing communications. "It's really fun to drive, and the paddle shifters bring a whole different kind of experience that helps make it a blast. If you've been thinking about a side-by-side purchase, the Pioneer 500 will definitely put a grin on your face whether you're taking care of jobs around your property or taking off on a weekend adventure." Only 50 inches wide, the Pioneer 500 fits on trails that impose width restrictions, as well as in the bed of a full-size truck. A modest 73.1- inch wheelbase helps return responsive han- dling and a tight turning radius of only 13 feet. Designed by Honda R&D in Ohio, and built at Honda South Carolina (HSC) in Timmons- ville using domestically and globally sourced parts, the Pioneer 500 is powered by Honda's proven 475cc four-stroke engine. This pow- erplant pumps out plenty of low-end torque along with a smooth, fun-to-use powerband. The five-speed gearbox with reverse uses an electric shift system featuring paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. Thoughtful touches include a door/net setup that opens together as one unit. Inside, there's a roomy and comfortable bench seat for the driver and passenger. The Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) meets OSHA requirements, and driver and passenger have three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seat belts. PSB "There's a pricepoint advantage with our products," he said. "The features that come with our products — the anodized domes, machine- smoothed heads, coated skirts — all retail out for a competitive price on the market but still allow for a healthy margin for dealers and dis- tributors. Add you have to include the reliability of our products and their production at world- class manufacturing and R&D facilities." Namura underwent a company-wide restructuring in 2011, which also led to sales growth. By working with more than 1,500 manufacturers in China and Taiwan and build- ing off a strong staff of 55 employees at two facilities in Taiwan, the growth in Rosemount isn't so surprising after all. "Every company has growing pains, but it seems like we have felt a really healthy rhythm with our current operations," Hentges said. And while Hentges admits that he would "never say never," Namura for now and the immediate future has no plans to expand its offerings beyond pistons and gaskets. "We've had requests from several distribu- tors in the past two branch out, but we still see a lot of potential for growth within our current product offering," he said. "At the current time we don't want to dilute the services we offer." As a company focused on the aftermarket, Namura reaches all segments of the powers- ports industry. From side-by-side to motor- cycle, the diversification can also be seen as a growth driver and innovation instigator. "Internationally, the ATV market is pretty limited due to government regulations throughout Europe, so that limits riding," Hentges said. "But when you look at the growth of the UTV market — they're not slowing down, and neither are we." The 4-stroke motocross market has been particularly successful for Namura recently. "We just jumped into that marketplace about two years ago," Hentges said. "Why? We weren't there. The market is a pie, and if you're not going for any of the pie, well then everyone else is." Namura had a heavy focus on the two- stroke and four-stroke ATV market, but devel- oped a new material that suits the four-stroke bike market. "It's an aluminum alloy that allows you to make a cast piston that will withstand the heat and operating conditions of a four-stroke engine, where normally you're required to have a forged product," Hentges said. "Since we can offer something new that wasn't already in the market, that's where we found success." Hentges estimates that 99 percent of Namu- ra's products are cast, which makes them appeal- ing to a range of dealers, and figures to add to the company's future growth charts. PSB Pistons and gaskets bring strong performance Honda Pioneer 500 features paddle shifters 18 • June 16, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com See Namura, Page 19 NAMURA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 The Honda Pioneer 500, an all-new model for 2015, features paddle shifters. "We're receiving the feedback from our distributors, and we listen to what they're asking for. We take that to heart." Levi Hentges, director of international sales & marketing, Namura Technologies P18x19-PSB8-ATV.indd 19 6/4/14 2:22 PM