By: BoatBlurb Staff
After acquiring cutting edge battery manufacturer RELiON in September 2021, the Brunswick Corporation is continuing their expansion across the retail marketplace. The company has announced a partnership with West Marine, North America's largest marine supply company, to offer their high-efficiency lithium RELiON batteries in select stores.
RELiON's batteries offer an alternative to the conventional lead-acid batteries typically found in marine stores. The company markets their batteries as being significantly lighter, with a longer shelf life, and with faster charging capability.
RELiON, based out of South Carolina and with offices in Seattle, manufactures high-efficiency lithium battery that have broad applications across the marine industry. The are continuing to operate independently while under the Brunswick portfolio and will be supplying the industry conglomerate with their products as well as working in partnership with R&D.
Brunswick has been aggressive throughout 2021 and into 2022 trying to meet record demand. The move to acquire RELiON was part of their continued push into marine electronics, which also included the $1 billion acquisition of Navico in June 2021, as well as their May 2021 announcement that subsidiary Mercury Marine would introduce electric outboards by 2023.
West Marine is North America's largest marine supply company. Although based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the company has 247 retail stores across Canada and the U.S.
You can read the full press release below:
CHARLOTTE, NC (April 13, 2022) — RELiON Battery, a global lithium battery provider, announces that American-based boating supply company, West Marine, will now offer RELiON batteries in select stores across the U.S. and on www.westmarine.com. With consumer demand for lithium batteries growing, the addition of RELiON will provide customers with an alternative to conventional lead-acid batteries as lithium batteries are inherently lightweight, have a longer life and charge quickly, among many other benefits.
“West Marine has seen increased consumer demand for lithium phosphate batteries over the past several years, making our partnership with RELiON Battery the perfect addition for our consumers,” said Ron Baime, West Marine Chief Merchandising Officer. “Lithium phosphate batteries are among the most popular forms of energy storage in the world, and an excellent choice for boating applications.”
RELiON Battery is leading the industry with innovative power options as many boat owners shift to lithium batteries for high power applications such as bass fishing, sailing, recreational vehicles, overland, solar, electric vehicles and more. RELiON’s lithium batteries are built to withstand harsh environmental elements, while being maintenance-free and highly efficient. They allow those seeking an outdoor lifestyle to do so without worrying if their batteries will last.
“We are excited to bring our premium lithium batteries to West Marine customers across the U.S.,” said RELiON Battery Founder & Senior Vice President, Paul Hecimovich. “Both RELiON and West Marine believe in inspiring boaters to challenge their limits through providing quality products with outstanding customer service. Partnering with a retail legend such as West Marine furthers our mission to bring lithium batteries to the forefront.”
West Marine will offer customers RELiON’s most popular lithium products, including 12V and 24V batteries that can power a variety of marine vessels. In addition, customers that purchase RELiON Battery products are also supporting the planet, as the company donates 1% of annual revenue to nonprofits fighting for a healthier and more sustainable environment.
To learn more about West Marine and RELiON Battery visit westmarine.com and relionbattery.com.
