Fusion Broadens Scope With Its New Stereo/active

The kiwi firm is diversifying into new growth markets such as stand-up paddle boarding,kayaks and canoes with what it claims is the world’s first purpose-built watersports stereo.

- Barry Thompson

​FUSION ENTERTAINMENT, A world-renowned leader in marine audio solutions, recently introduced its new Stereo/Active – the world’s first purposebuilt watersports stereo. Released in late 2016, the unique Stereo/Active has taken this Kiwi-based company into entirely new markets.

Designed and engineered in New Zealand by Fusion, the Stereo/Active isn’t your standard Bluetooth speaker; it is an entirely waterproof stereo that specifically targets the paddleboard, kayak, canoe and small dinghy markets – areas in which the company has had zero penetration until now.

“Any business must widen its catchment so that they are not caught in one market if there is a downturn,” says Fusion Entertainment managing director Chris Baird. Anxious to diversify its business away from the traditional marine entertainment market of yachts, trailer-boats and motorcruisers, Baird and the Fusion team scouted potential new growth sectors.

“About four or five years ago we saw that kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs) were booming and that this market was easier for customers to participate in,” says Baird.