Colours ’N Motion, the Southern California-based manufacturer known for its stylish manual chairs and cutting-edge marketing campaigns, has been purchased by Nissin Medical, says Colours President John Gunnar Box. Japan-based Nissin Medical is the parent company of Nissin Wheelchairs, which made its American debut several years ago and had established headquarters in Torrance, California.
“This agreement will bring together the 40-plus years (of) experience and exceptional technology of Nissin Wheelchairs and the premier brand of Colours and its established presence in the marketplace,” said Box in a March 25 statement. “Nissin Wheelchairs will continue to be available, and the business will be run under the umbrella of Colours ’N Motion, Inc.”
Box indicated that both Nissin Wheelchairs’ American division and Colours will operate from Colours’ current Corona, Calif., location starting on April 1. According to the statement, Box will be the company’s president. Takahiro (Harry) Haruyama, Nissin’s president/CEO, will serve as Colours’ CEO.
Colours manufactures high-performance and sports chairs in adult and pediatric sizes, but is possibly equally well known for its irreverent marketing style, which has included chair names such as Spazz, Boing! and Swoosh. Colours is also known for flashy chair accessories such as its wheel spinners, and for promoting a close-knit community for its users, who often serve as Colours models and role models.
Nissin’s product lines include the FYU-JON manual chair, which folds side to side, and a travel chair that weighs approximately 13 lbs. and stores in a compact bag. Nissin, a prominent player in the Japanese wheelchair market, also manufactures pediatric chairs and sports chairs.
