Matrix Posts Sales Increase In Second Quarter

COTTAGE GROVE, WI — August was a busy month for Johnson Health Tech North America, the owner of Matrix Fitness.

First, the Cottage Grove, WI-based company named Nathan Pyles its new president and elevated Bob Zande to chief operating officer and chief financial officer. Pyles replaced Chris Clawson, who left to become president of Life Fitness.

Later in the month, Johnson Health Tech (JHT) announced it had posted an increase in sales in the second quarter. The company, which also manufactures Vision Fitness, Horizon Fitness and Livestrong Fitness equipment, had a 29 percent increase in sales worldwide and a 26 percent increase in North American sales in second quarter 2010, compared to the corresponding period last year. Commercially, Johnson Health Tech North America reported a 65 percent increase in sales over the previous year.

Pyles attributed much of the company's commercial growth to investment in sales support, marketing and product development, including an expanded Matrix Fitness product portfolio. That portfolio encompasses the Johnny G Krankcycle, the T7xe treadmill and the G7 series strength line. The company also expanded its partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation to launch the Livestrong by Matrix line.