Marquis Spas
Quick overview
Marquis® was founded in Independence, Oregon, in 1980. At that time, known as Pacific Marquis, the company was started with extended family members and close friends as primary employees. In 1985, Wexco Inc., a privately owned corporation, acquired Pacific Marquis. With a shared dedication and commitment to build a high quality product and become a highly regarded company, the name was changed to Marquis Spas and quickly expanded by developing a dealer network extending across the United States, Canada and Europe. Today the company is known as Marquis, and uses the tagline "The ULTIMATE Hot Tub Experience." Their corporate headquarters, still located in Independence, employs more than 200 people.
Information about Marquis and its product lines can be found on Marquis website
University of Marquis
Since 1980, Marquis’ leadership and commitment to innovation is continually recognized. In 1994, the University of Marquis was established as an industry first. This program is dedicated to helping Marquis’ dealers become the most professional and successful spa dealers in the industry.
Industry's top awards As a pioneer in an industry of nearly 100 individual manufacturers, Marquis was the first company to receive both of the industry’s top awards, in the same year – 1998. The John Holcomb Silver Award for technology and innovation was presented to Marquis and the Eagle Award for industry leadership was presented to then President/CEO Jeffery Kurth.
Concept store(s) In 1998, Marquis unveiled Your Back Yard, a prototype concept store for test-marketing products and programs. Your Back Yard features spas as the focal point, with other related backyard products offered to “make your back yard a home.”
National ad campaign In March of 1999, Marquis’ national ad campaign broke new ground in an industry where it is often difficult to distinguish one manufacturer’s ad from another. Dealers were supplied with items such as professionally produced television, radio and newspaper advertisements, and local public relations and promotional ideas. It became the most aggressive national advertising campaign of its kind in the industry.
Employee-owned In 1999, Marquis became employee-owned. Pride of ownership is taken very seriously and has led to the highest level of product quality and reliability, Marquis stands behind this pledge with one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.
First European distributor In 2000 Marquis expanded its sales reach by signing a distributor in Norway, the company’s first European distributor.
Commitment to innovation At the turn of the century, Marquis continued with a strong commitment to innovation. Designed by Marquis’ Research and Development Department, the patented HK40™ jet was launched in 2001. The small size of this high flow jet has accomplished what previously only larger jets made possible. Today it’s used extensively throughout Marquis’ product, strategically positioned within each model to provide passive and whole body massage.
Lean manufacturing In October 2002, Marquis began implementation of lean manufacturing principles. This manufacturing methodology has allowed for a more cost-effective means of producing a high quality product. As a result, Marquis has been able to drastically reduce lead times for product delivery.
Consumer website In March of 2003, Marquis launched a completely renovated and highly improved consumer website. The site was designed to educate the viewer about the features and benefits of owning a Marquis spa and help the consumer connect with their local dealer. In its first year alone, the website generated nearly 30,000 sales leads. Marquis website
European network expanded In October of 2003, Marquis seriously expanded their reach in the international market when their product was launched in the United Kingdom and soon became the fastest growing brand in the UK. This launch was quickly followed with the addition of distributors in Italy and France.
Enhanced systems and increased options In 2004, Marquis celebrated its 25th year of business with continued innovation to enhance the bather’s experience. Enhanced hydrotherapy systems, a built-in sanitation system, audio-ready capability, and custom color interior and exterior options all became part of the Marquis and e-Series Product lines.
SpaBoutique™ Marquis launched an in-house accessory program in the fall of 2004. The accessory program, SpaBoutique™, has products aimed at enhancing the Marquis spa experience, the customer’s backyard, as well as their lifestyle.
Manufacturer of the Year / Exporter of the Year In 2004, Marquis received the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year Award from the Strategic Economic Development Corporation (SEDCOR). A year later, Marquis received the Exporter of the Year Award from SEDCOR.
New retail stores In May of 2005, Marquis opened a new retail store in Clackamas, Oregon. To better leverage the Marquis brand name, all Your Back Yard stores are now referred to as Marquis Company Stores. The retail stores are currently located in Salem and Beaverton, Oregon, as well as Camarillo, California.
In compliance In January of 2007, Marquis formally announced full compliance with the European Council Directive 2002/95/EC (Restriction of Hazardous Substances – RoHS). Additionally, Marquis’ products are marked according to Annex IV of Council Directive 2002/96/EC (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment – WEEE) which addresses the handling of products at the end of their useful life. All of Marquis' products are also in compliance with the California Energy Commission's directives.
Environments™ In 2010, Marquis launched the Environments™, a collection of matching modules and steps for use with Marquis hot tubs. Modules include storage and corner benches, storage cabinets, shelves with brackets and even a set of counter cabinets. All Environments are made with the same exterior as the spas. Steps and shelves with brackets are also available for the e-Series product line.
Make-A-Wish partner Marquis’ support of Make-A-Wish® of America reached a significant milestone in 2010. Not only did Marquis celebrate a decade-long partnership, but the 400th hot tub wish was also granted. In addition, a formal partnership with Make-A-Wish Canada was started. Marquis is now a preferred hot tub provider to both Make-A-Wish of America and Make-A-Wish Canada.
International warehouses Marquis increased its European focus by opening a warehouse in the United Kingdom in 2013 and in the Netherlands in 2012. In addition to the warehouses in the UK and Holland, Marquis also has a warehouse in Canada.
500th Wish In 2012, Marquis and Make-A-Wish partnered up to fulfill the 500th hot tub wish. Little Kingsley’s tub was delivered via crane and his wish party was a large neighborhood celebration.
Model Year 2013 Products Marquis’ Model Year 2013 products include the industry’s most uniquely shaped hot tubs. Marquis’ product lines include Marquis Signature and Ultimate upgrade, e-Series by Marquis, and Celebrity Hot Tubs.
