California Manufacturer of durable specialty outdoor gear expands capacity to meet demand; Investment creates and preserves nearly 150 local jobs

(Arcata, CA and Brunswick, ME – April 29, 2025) CEI Capital Management LLC (CCML) today announced a $14.6 million investment through the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program to Kōkatat, Inc. so that it can quickly scale up its manufacturing capacity. The maker of exceptionally durable specialty outdoor gear will use the investment to purchase new equipment, refurbish legacy equipment, and add to its workforce at its Arcata, CA headquarters to meet increasing demand for its products.

Established in 1971 as an outdoor recreational gear maker, Kōkatat innovated and evolved over the decades to develop high performance materials, expanding its customer base from water sport enthusiasts to other specialties, including defense applications. Today, Kōkatat’s plant is certified for highly specialized manufacturing processes that few others in the U.S. can perform.

“We are ready to spool up our manufacturing and start delivering new product,” said Kōkatat CEO Mark Loughmiller. “This investment is significant to our company’s long-term viability and sustainability, and by extension, it’s an enormous boost to our ability to provide good jobs in the community.”

The additional capacity and working capital financing are expected to create over 40 new full-time positions on top of keeping 106 people employed at the plant, a meaningful figure in California’s Humbolt County which has seen a loss of manufacturing jobs in recent years as companies relocate elsewhere. Kōkatat offers competitive wages, benefits, and a retirement savings plan, contributing to an 80 percent employee retention rate. Kōkatat and its employees are deeply integrated into the local community, too. The company supports numerous local organizations through financial contributions, product donations, and volunteer work.

The company’s increased manufacturing capacity is supported by a $14.6 million investment from CCML, a leading provider of capital to businesses in underserved rural communities. The NMTC program is a federal program that provides tax incentives to investors who invest in businesses located in census tracts with low incomes. U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance provided the NMTC equity. Hope Community Capital served as investment consultant to CCML.

“This project is consistent with our mission to support manufacturing growth and good job creation in rural America,” said Traci Vaine, CEO at CEI Capital. “Kōkatat exemplifies how a business can recognize that investing in its growth is also an investment that supports its employees, the community and the local economy.”

About CEI Capital Management

CEI Capital Management works nationally to connect new and existing rural manufacturing companies with flexible capital through the Federal New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program and the Maine New Markets Capital Investment (NMCI) Program so they can build good jobs that provide living wages, comprehensive benefits and opportunities for training and advancement. Since 2004, CCML has placed $1.12 billion of NMTC/NMCI capacity in 105 projects. Learn more at www.ceicapitalmgmt.com