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Courtney Goldberg Edelman
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Courtney.Goldberg@edelman.com
DICKIES® FOOTWEAR TO BE DISTRIBUTED BY KODIAK GROUP HOLDINGS CO.
Kodiak and Dickies expand their partnership to include distribution through U.S.
Fort Worth, Texas (April 20, 2010) – Dickies®, the innovative work wear and lifestyle apparel brand, announced today a new agreement with Kodiak Group Holdings Co. to distribute its Dickies footwear in the United States. Williamson-Dickie, maker of Dickies, acquired Kodiak Group Holdings Co. in 2008, underscoring the company's global growth strategy and unifying the leadership of a top work apparel and footwear company in North America.
Kodiak Group Holdings Co. is Canada's leading manufacturer and distributor of Kodiak® and Terra® footwear, with divisions in the U.S. and Europe.
"Kodiak is widely recognized for producing quality, rugged footwear that can stand the rigors of the workplace and outdoors," said Philip Williamson, chairman and CEO of Williamson-Dickie. "We're excited for Kodiak to produce Dickies footwear in the U.S. using its rigorous brand standards and deep rooted work wear heritage."
Kodiak and Terra offer a complete line of industrial boots, shoes and cold weather footwear. This year, in celebration of its centennial, Kodiak introduced a heritage collection of leather boots for men and women. All footwear meets or exceeds footwear safety standards in Canada, Europe and the U.S.
"Kodiak is proud to integrate an iconic brand like Dickies further into our family, and we look forward to providing Dickies U.S. customers with top-tier footwear," said Kevin Huckle, president of Kodiak Group Holdings Co. "With 100 years of experience in boot manufacturing, we offer specialized footwear, from highly technical injection molded to rubber and cold-cement, that's second to none."
"The location of our offices at the Williamson-Dickie headquarters in Ft. Worth helps us stay connected to the Dickies brand direction and the demands of their customers," said Wes Smith, vice president and general manager of Kodiak-Terra USA. "It's exciting to have the ability to market three powerful brands in our portfolio. Each brand has its own unique direction and emotional connection with consumers. We want to capitalize on those strengths."
Design and production of the Dickies' footwear in the U.S. will begin immediately with marketing and distribution expected in early 2011.
About Dickies
From bib overalls to World War II U.S. military uniforms to its iconic original 874® work pant, Dickies has become the most trusted and recognizable work wear apparel brand worldwide. Additionally, Dickies has created a work wear inspired casual clothing line that offers the styling and durability the brand has been known for since the beginning. Dickies is the signature brand in the portfolio owned by Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Company that also features Workrite, Kodiak, Terra and other licensed products. All of Dickies apparel from work wear products to outerwear to schoolwear stand for the pride, value and uncomplicated style that embodies a no nonsense attitude and independent spirit. For more details, visit www.dickies.com.
About Kodiak Group Holdings Co.
Kodiak Group Holdings Co. is a wholly owned affiliate of Williamson-Dickie and has been a manufacturer and marketer of quality safety and outdoor footwear for 100 years. Based in Canada, Kodiak has earned an international reputation for quality and craftsmanship for its lightweight and comfortable boots. The company also produces the Terra brand of safety footwear. Kodiak-Terra USA, based in Fort Worth, Texas, distributes the Kodiak, Terra and Dickies brands in the United States. For more information, visit www.kodiakboots.com.
