LADSON, S.C. - With mandatory evacuations ordered by South CarolinaGovernor Henry McMaster due to Hurricane Florenceapproaching the Carolina coast, Shimano has suspended operations of its North Charleston distribution center and fishing division office until further notice.

?“Keeping our Team Shimano members safe is thenumber one priority right now,” said fishing division vice president Steve Ferrara. “Many of us need time to protect our families and home, and we will continue to monitor the impending impact of Florence on all of them and our facilities before we resume operations.”

?Ferrara notes that in the meantime, in order to minimize downtime for its customers, Shimano’s Irvine, Calif. distribution center is prepared to take on the extra capacity for orders that can be diverted and fulfilled. Both the North Charleston and Irvine facilities stock all Shimano fishing brands, including G. Loomis rods, PowerPro braid and Jackall lures.

?As conditions change, Ferrara said Shimano will keep all its customers as informed as possible to when its South Carolina operations resume normal functions.