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| GLOVERSVILLE, NY — April 7, 2003 — Taylor Made Systems recently unveiled a dramatic new concept for the boatbuilding industry — a power-driven convertible top similar to the ones used in the automotive industry.
Mike Oathout, vice president, sales and marketing, said, "Car manufacturers have designed automatic power tops into their convertible models for years. We decided it's about time the concept was introduced into the boating market." Raising the top is a breeze. At the touch of a button, the sunpad opens, and the hydraulically operated convertible top rises out of its compartment. It latches directly to the Taylor Made windshield frame. Likewise, to lower the top, you simply unlatch the top from the frame and press a button. The entire mechanism disappears beneath the sunpad, leaving a smooth, uncluttered appearance. Oathout added, "At Taylor Made Systems, we are boaters, and we realize that raising and lowering a canvas top manually is not a pleasant chore. The power convertible top, we believe, will significantly enhance the boating experience by eliminating this difficult job." The power convertible top is aimed at boats in the 21-28 ft. range. The cost will be comparable to a typical automotive convertible top option, according to Oathout. Taylor Made Systems will offer the convertible tops in a broad range of marine fabrics, types and styles, and will design windows and doorways to each boatbuilder's specifications. "We previewed the initial prototype at IBEX," said Oathout. "In coming months, we will continue to test and fine-tune the concept, working closely with our boatbuilding customers to make sure we meet their requirements and expectations." "We are also investigating the feasibility of setting up custom installation services for boatbuilders at our location," said Oathout. "We visualize a time when the boatbuilder simply delivers a boat to our location, and we install not only the power actuated top but also other products such as windshields. We feel this may give our customers an opportunity to take advantage of economy of scale." A member of the Taylor Made Group®, Taylor Made Systems, based in Gloversville, New York, is the world's largest manufacturer of marine glazing systems and the acknowledged leader in framed glass windshield technology for powerboats. Other marine product lines include hatches, doors, window systems, portlights, canvas boat tops and upholstered furniture. The company also supplies glass products for a variety of architectural, agricultural and industrial applications. Headquartered in Gloversville, NY, the Taylor Made Group®, Inc. has 95 years of experience as one of the recreational marine industry's largest, most diversified suppliers. The Taylor Made Group includes Taylor Made Products, Taylor Made Systems, Taylorbrite LLC, and Taylor Made Environmental. The Group operates 15 facilities in the United States, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia and New Zealand. Employing more than 1,100 associates, its products are distributed through a worldwide distribution network.
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