Manatee mobility manufacturer partners with Fort Myers company

Wheelchair and scooter manufacturer Hoveround Mobility Solutions, which is based in Manatee County, has entered into what it calls a strategic partnership with a fellow provider of mobility solutions.

Merits Health Products, which has its U.S. headquarters in Fort Myers, will provide a global supplier network that will enable Hoveround to reduce procurement costs, mitigate supply chain challenges and enhance overall operations, according to a statement. The global headquarters for Merits is located in Taiwan.

“By optimizing our supply chain and enhancing production capabilities, we are better positioned to meet growing customer demand while maintaining the superior quality and service that define the [Hoveround Mobility Solutions] brand,” Adam Frerichs, CEO of Hoveround, says in a statement.

Through the partnership, Hoveround will provide customer service expertise and mobility innovation.

While the two companies will continue to operate independently, they will align in key operational areas to maximize efficiency. Merits will help store and ship parts for Hoveround’s flagship MPV5 power chair to improve responsiveness and delivery times, according to a statement.

Both companies will share technical and parts support responsibilities.

“This collaboration is a natural evolution for both companies,” Andrew Maskery, president of Merits Health Products USA, says in a statement. “HMS has built a strong reputation for customer-focused mobility solutions, and by working together, we can streamline processes, strengthen supply chains and continue delivering top-tier products to those who need them most.”

Merits manufactures manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, rehab power wheelchairs, scooters and seating and positioning products. It was established in 1995 to promote independence and accessibility for all.

Hoveround was founded in Sarasota in 1992. It produces power and electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, vehicle lifts and accessories. According to the company, it is the largest direct-to-consumer power wheelchair manufacturer, with every one custom-assembled in the United States.