Dowco acquires Auburn Leather’s bike division
Dowco Inc., the 89-year old manufacturer of powersports and marine products, has acquired the motorcycle division of Auburn Leather Company.
“Auburn Leather Company’s position as a tier one supplier to the OE market, as well as their aftermarket product lines, are a good fit for Dowco,” Dowco executive vice president Mike Kaczkowski said in a press release. “The OEM motorcycle market is finite, and with the drop off in unit sales the past several years, this move makes sense for us to keep our OEM business and supply chain healthy, and the Auburn brand of leather saddlebags will integrate into Dowco’s family of aftermarket brands very well.”
Dowco, based in Manitowoc, Wis., purchased the motorcycle division on June 6 and will sell the line of saddlebags under the brand ALC Saddlebags. Auburn Leather Company will continue to operate its three remaining divisions from its existing base in Auburn, Ky.
“Our intent is to make the transition as smooth as possible for all of Auburn’s former customers and sales partners. Work began weeks ago with our two companies to inform folks of the timing and allow for adequate order planning. Auburn built up some great industry relationships, and our goal is to build upon those for a strong future,” Kaczkowski said.
