Port of Walla Walla Commissioners have unanimously agreed to purchase the Martin Archery plant site in Walla Walla and lease the bow manufacturing facility to a new firm, Martin Sports, Inc., to put the 60-year-old company back on target.
  According to Port Commission President Paul Schneidmiller, the transaction involves acquiring 4.67 acres of property, along with the production buildings, for $1.3 million. Martin Sports, Inc., affiliated with Diversis Capital LLC, is entering into a 10-year lease for the site that includes an “option by buy.”
  “Martin Archery had fallen on hard times,” Schneidmiller explains. “The Port believes retaining manufacturing operations and jobs in the Walla Walla Valley is an important business retention effort. Martin reccurve and compound bows are still in demand and we look forward to working with Martin Sports to return the business to profitability and increased employment.”
  While the number of employees has fallen to 20 from an historical high of 100, Martin Sports, Inc. officials expect a quick transition to meet existing orders and suggest the addition of another 20 workers in the near term.
  Schneidmiller emphasized, “The Port Commission believes business retention efforts are an essential part of our mission to create and retain family wage jobs.” Assisting with the Martin project is a “real life example” of the Port fulfilling its role as the lead economic development agency for Walla Walla County.