MLA Business Member Spotlight: Stormline

One of the Maine Lobstermen’s Association’s newest business members is the international commercial rain gear company Stormline. Founded in New Zealand in the 1960s, today the company is still run by the founder’s family. “We’re still a small family business, third generation,” said Regan McMillan, Stormline sales director. “In that we are like a lot of Maine’s lobstermen.”

The company has focused on quality materials and constant innovation in its wet weather lines since its inception. A recent addition to its commercial fishing line is a full-length bib complete with flotation, a wearable PFD. The bib uses specially engineered closed-cell foam in the upper back to elevate the body above the water. It was praised by fishermen participating the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health PFD testing project several years ago. “We make sure that the materials and designs are as good as they can be and people appreciate that,” McMillan said.

Stormline came to Maine via word of mouth. Downeast Fishing Gear in Trenton started carrying the company’s products after a local fisherman came in and told the owners that they had to stock them. “They tried us out and they liked us,” McMillan said. Hamilton Marine stores also carry Stormline gear.

Choosing to become an MLA business member simply made sense, McMillan said. “We want to help support lobstermen. It’s been difficult for them the past few years, with the whale rules and offshore wind farms. Lobstering is a way of life but it’s also a family industry as well. There’s lots of similarities from where we come from.”

Stormline

sales@stormlinegear.com

https://www.stormlinegear.com

508-258-4770

(Featured in the January 2025 print issue of Landings)