New Cedar Rock and HR Tackle owners in growth pledge

The new owners of Cedar Rock Manufacturing and HR Tackle plan to triple the size of the business over the next five years.

But the acquirers have assured customers that growth will not be achieved at any cost, insisting they will continue sourcing materials locally and exclusively within the US and will invest in the business.

Brandon Kirk (main picture), an IT expert, and Michael Eaton (below), a former retirement communities executive, bought the Burlington, North Carolina business from Harold Kallam and have pledged to continue with the same passion he put into the company.

Cedar Rock Mfg, under parent company Open Water Mfg, manufactures soft plastics and metal jigs for HR Tackle plus other vendors. Tackle brand HR Tackle, under the Open Water Tackle parent company, sells through distributors, tackle dealers and online. 

Investment is being made in new machines in order to compete better and grow the business. “Harold has not sold this to somebody just to make money, but to people who would continue with his passion and his legacy,” says Eaton.

Kallam will stay in the business until December ‘to make sure we don’t screw up’ joked Eaton. “We’re making products for people who want ‘made in the USA’. It’s about the quality of the product first.”

Kallam, 65, said he wants to spend more time pastoring at the Landmark Apostolic Church. He also still owns a car business, Mr. K’s Autos. He knew Kirk’s father for many years, which led to Kirk helping with IT. Eaton became involved later, learning from Kallam’s experience.