Best known for their electric coolers and mini fridges, Dometic has been on a shopping spree this spring, snapping up four companies in the solar, electric, and vehicle outfitting categories. There’s definitely some overlap, which suggests they’re positioning themselves to own the entire electrical upgrade and accessory segment for camper vans, RVs and overland vehicles.
Here’s each acquisition, with a summary of their brands and products:
- Valterra – The company behind Go Power! brand of solar and electrical cable products, which include rigid and flexible solar panel kits that include everything you need to add solar power to your vehicle.
- Enerdrive – An Australian company known for their vehicle solar, charging and battery solutions, including complete DIY kits that let Vanlifers add more power to their custom Sprinter, Transit, etc.
- Zamp Solar – Based in Bend, OR, also manufacturers complete solar panel power kits for RVs, Vans, and Overland vehicles, and brings a strong North American distribution network.
- Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters – This South African company makes roof racks (like the one shown below), roof top tents, load bars, and other cargo-carrying accessories. More importantly, they have a strong B2C sales channel bolstered by 600+ global retailers, giving Dometic immediate access to more customers.
The strategy, based on Dometic’s own PR, suggests they’re not only trying to quickly grow their solar, power, and battery system catalog by acquiring top manufacturers and brands. They’re also growing their retail distribution and customer bases simultaneously, which should bode well for their coolers and portable A/C products, too.
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