Halcyon moves to new premises and prepares for an intense decade

The blue “H” needs no introduction. Over the years, the brand originating from the USA has achieved a strong position on the technical diving equipment market and for years has been synonymous with the highest quality. The huge commercial success allowed for systematic extension of the assortment and improvement of subsequent models. Today, founded in 1996. Halcyon is starting another chapter.

-- Advertisement --

In February, the company moved from its existing 3,650m² headquarters to a newly built 8,000m² complex on the High Spring Industrial Park in Florida.

According to the company’s co-founder and living diving legend Jarrod Jablonski, the new factory will provide space to produce a line of dry suits and create the necessary conditions to grow and run the business for the next decade.

The company’s location near the legendary Ginnie Springs also allows it to inspect and test new equipment, in the demanding conditions for which the gear is dedicated.

Halcyon today employs 30 people in its factory and supplies equipment to over 500 dive shops worldwide. Sales results show that in less than 20 years, it has managed to create a brand that has found recognition in the eyes of the diving community around the world. Today, 75% of production is sold outside the USA.

Undoubtedly, proper promotion had a big part in it. For many years Jablonski has been travelling around the world as an ambassador of Halcyon brand, sharing his knowledge and experience. We had a chance to host him in Poland several times, e.g. during particular editions of Baltictech – the biggest event addressed to technical divers in Poland.

Halcyon’s performance was undoubtedly influenced by the emergence of another Jablonski child, Global Underwater Explorers. Established in 1999, the GUE GUE focused on the education and training of divers and on activities aimed at protecting the underwater environment.

However, the situation was not always so good. According to “JJ”, the first decade of the company’s existence did not inspire much optimism and did not allow to look into the future with confidence…

“The first 10 years were extremely uncertain and scary. I started with credit cards, high interest loans and… prayer. I did everything wrong in terms of how you should start and grow your own business.”

Looking back, however, he cannot forget and overlook the support he received every step of the way from the diving community…

“Thousands of people around the world use our equipment, conducting dives in a wide variety of environments. I’m a real lucky guy and I feel proud looking at how much we and people have achieved together.”

When writing about Halcyon, one cannot forget an event that took place a year ago. At the beginning of 2014, a “Global Alliance” was formed together with the Polish brand Santi Diving. As a result, Santi acquired part of Halcyon’s shares and sealed joint operations in key markets including the USA, Russia and Asia.

This was certainly an important step and, at the same time, a clear signal to all the competition that the next few years will belong to these brands. Today, the expansion of the factory and the move to a new location is another step in the right direction.

Source: gainesville.com