Bass Pro Shops & White River Marine Group Acquire Hobie Water Sports Brand, Bringing New Jobs to Missouri

• September 24, 2025

North America’s leading outdoor and conservation-focused company will move Hobie production from Mexico to Lebanon, Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – September 24, 2025 – Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group announced today the acquisition of Hobie, a legendary water sports brand. The agreement unites two of the most storied and well-respected watercraft manufacturers while bringing new jobs to Lebanon, Missouri.

“We’re proud to see Bass Pro Shops and White River Marine Group deepening their commitment to Missouri through this expansion,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This investment is strengthening the community of Lebanon while contributing to Missouri’s reputation as a prime destination for both business and outdoor adventure.”

“Uniting with Hobie is a very proud day in our company’s history,” said Johnny Morris, Founder and Lead Outfitter, and Bryan Niketh, President of Manufacturing at White River Marine Group. “We extend Hobie Dealers a warm welcome to our White River Family. We are deeply committed to Hobie and supporting its dealer network as we embark on a very bright future together!”

White River Marine will expand its existing manufacturing facility in Lebanon, Missouri. The return of Hobie production to the U.S. marks an exciting new chapter. Rooted in the Ozarks region, known for its rich outdoor heritage and skilled manufacturing workforce, this move ensures Hobie products will continue to embody quality, innovation, and a true passion for life on the water.

“White River Marine Group has continued to spur economic growth in our community for nearly five decades,” said Mayor Jared Carr. “This additional expansion in Lebanon will create new opportunities for our amazing workforce for many more years to come. We are blessed by and thankful for White River Marine’s commitment to the City of Lebanon, Laclede County, and the State of Missouri, and we’re excited to see the outcomes this expansion will deliver in the very near future.”

The project is supported by the State of Missouri, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, the City of Lebanon and Lebanon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (Lebanon REDI).

“DED is excited to support White River Marine Group as they help Missourians prosper in Lebanon,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “This project was made possible by our state’s economic advantages and collaboration with our incredible partners.”

“We are proud that Missouri is home to the headquarters of global powerhouse Bass Pro Shops and industry leader White River Marine Group,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Their decision to reshore jobs to our state is a testament to Missouri’s skilled workforce and pro-business environment. We are looking forward to adding Hobie watercraft to the long list of innovative products and storied brands that are made in Missouri.”

About Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, was founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris started selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. That was the company’s sole location for the first 13 years, and it has since grown to nearly 200 retail locations throughout North America. Today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Newsweek as “America’s Best Outdoor Retailer” for four consecutive years and “America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear.”

About Missouri Partnership
Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri’s business strengths. Since 2008, Missouri Partnership has worked with partners statewide to attract companies that have created 35,300+ new jobs, $1.8 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $8.3 billion+ in new capital investment. Some recent successful projects that led to major investment in Missouri include Accenture Federal Services LLC, American Foods Group, Casey’s, Chewy, Inc., Google, James Hardie, Meta, Swift Prepared Foods, URBN, USDA, and Veterans United.