Expansion was inevitable and in 2008, Gator purchased the manufacturing facilities and product line of Protechtor Cases, located in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. This new asset brought state-side manufacturing in rotational molding along with expansion into the percussion market. Investing in US manufacturing is important to Gator. In 2013, Gator announced the new Frameworks line of stands and support systems at the Winter NAMM show. The new line of products featured over 50 innovative and unique solutions for microphone, speaker, guitar, keyboard, A/V, and more. Very well received, the line compliments the existing case line, making Gator an easy choice for all your accessory needs. After being awarded Best in Show Honors at Summer NAMM 2013 and Winter NAMM 2015, it was clear that the Frameworks line of products would be a major and permanent contender in the industry.
One of Gator’s most important years was 2014 when the company moved into a new state of the art manufacturing and distribution facility in Columbia City, Indiana. Gator is perfectly positioned to continue expanding manufacturing in the US while offering best in class distribution with over 180,000 square feet of dedicated space. In 2015, Gator bought Viking Cases, a USA based case manufacturer specializing in custom built ATA rated flight cases. All Viking Case manufacturing was moved from its location in St. Petersburg, FL into the facility in Columbia City, IN. In 2018, Gator acquired Levy’s Leathers Ltd. , one of the world’s most respected names in quality guitar straps.