Kent Larson is the new co-owner and general manager of Zen Bathworks, the soaking tub and hot-tub micro-factory on Spruce Grove Road.
Larson most recently worked as a manufacturing and quality engineer for Metso, a company that makes mining equipment. Originally from Colorado, he moved here with his family from Columbia, S.C., where he lived three years, and took over the tub company April 17.
“I love manufacturing. I grew up on a farm. I get the whole, small-town, learn-how-to-survive-when-the-odds-are-against-you mindset,” Larson said this week.
The plant employs three full-time and two part-time workers. Previous owner Bill Finlay and wife Nancy McGrew are helping with the transition.
“We’re definitely committed to the local economy and trying to provide local jobs. Bill started something that’s pretty cool,” Larson said.
Finlay started the company as SeaOtter Woodworks in 1999, making Japanese soaking tubs known as “ofuros.” Still the company’s primary product line, the wooden tubs are primarily designed for indoor use by a single user.
Also manufactured at Zen are wooden hot tubs. The large, round and oval coopered tubs are familiar outdoor fixtures in the Pacific Northwest and strong in popularity abroad, Larson said. The business sees a mix of retail and wholesale buyers, and most of its business comes from out of town.
The company’s name changed about four years ago to reflect the change in its marketing focus. The tubs come in a variety of sizes and are made with Port Orford cedar (hinoki), Western red cedar or teak. Ofuros are typically installed in the same fashion as a free-standing bathtub, and are offered with optional recirculating electric heaters. Hot tubs are equipped with a choice of wood, gas or electric heaters.
For more information, go to zenbathworks.com.