Lindy Dumps on Brainerd MN

Lindy leaving Brainerd 4/17/2009
After Pure Fishing relocated much of its operations to Columbia, S.C., news broke that another major corporate relocation is in the works. Lindy–Little Joe, based in Brainerd, Minn. was purchased by PRADCO Fishing in February 2008, and PRADCO will move Lindy shipping and warehousing to its Ft. Smith, Ark. headquarters. Several Lindy managers will remain in Brainerd, but more than 25 workers were laid off or given notice yesterday.

PRADCO Fishing includes brands such as Yum, Heddon, Excalibur, Rebel, Bomber, Booyah and Arbogast.

Lindy Brands include Lindy and Little Joe as well as Munchies, Old Bayside, Beckman nets and Drift Control.

Several sources BassFan spoke with were shocked and saddened by the news of the relocation, largely because of Lindy's roots in the area and its strength within the walleye market. Brainerd has been at the forefront of walleye fishing and media for nearly four decades. Al and Ron Lindner founded the In-Fisherman network and Lindy Legendary Fishing Tackle in Brainerd.

The Brainerd Dispatch has picked up coverage of the relocation (registration necessary).

The Dispatch reported that PRADCO Fishing VP and GM Bruce Stanton was in Brainerd yesterday to announce the news to employees.

The Dispatch quoted former Lindy owner John Kehr as saying: "I think people are absolutely shocked. I'm basically in shock. These people have been here for 14, 15, 20 years. And the company was one of the most profitable of that division. I don't know what to say. There was no forewarning on this. They were pleased with Lindy. The product was doing just fine."

The article also noted that Stanton referenced a slow economy as the driving force behind the relocation, and that PRADCO Fishing will realize significant cost savings by centralizing Lindy's shipping and distribution with its other brands.

PRADCO Fishing is a division of Birmingham, Ala.– based Ebsco Industries.