OLD TOWN – Johnson Outdoors Inc., manufacturer of innovative outdoor recreational products, has announced the grand opening of the state-of-the-art 144,000-square-foot Gilman Falls Center, a new distribution warehouse, manufacturing and office facility.

The event is set for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, March 7, at 125 Gilman Falls Ave. All are welcome and tours will be available.

The facility, built in partnership with locally owned Humble Beginnings LLC, opened in December and when fully operational is expected to employ 60 people – about one-third in newly created positions.

The custom, purpose-built distribution center is designed for faster and more accurate processing and shipment of orders with Old Town’s customer service, warehousing and distribution operations consolidated under one roof.

In addition, the company’s thermoform manufacturing operations have been relocated to Gilman Falls Center. Rotomolding manufacturing operations for canoes and kayaks will remain at the company’s current Old Town location.

“Old Town, Maine, has been the home of Old Town Canoes for over a century, and this new facility reaffirms our commitment to local partnerships to help ensure a great future for this great community,” said Tim Magoon, director of operations-watercraft for Johnson.

Local Johnson Outdoors representatives, as well as state and local government officials, will speak at 1 p.m.

“Old Town Canoe and Kayak has always been a significant component of our economy, and the new jobs at this new facility will help support families throughout the greater Old Town area. This focus on Old Town Canoe and Kayak fits into the city’s goal toward eco-cultural tourism and sporting developments in Old Town,” said City Manager Margaret Daigle.

Humble Beginnings LLC is an Old Town-based real estate development company owned by Tom Thornton, Joe Cyr and Bernie LaBree.

Johnson Outdoors manufactures and markets watercraft, marine electronics, diving and outdoor equipment. The company has operations in 17 countries, employs 1,400 people and reported revenues of $432.1 million in fiscal 2007.