Blain Middleton Named President, Eric Dallin Joins as Director of Marketing
SEATTLE, WA – January 2nd, 2026 – Northern Lights Inc. is announcing two strategic leadership appointments that position the company for continued growth across its marine power and climate control portfolio. Blain Middleton has been promoted to President, and Eric Dallin has joined the company as Director of Marketing.
BLAIN MIDDLETON NAMED PRESIDENT
Middleton, who most recently served as Executive Vice President and General Manager, will lead strategic direction and operations across Northern Lights marine generators, Lugger propulsion engines, Technicold HVAC and refrigeration systems, and MAN Engines distribution for the Western United States and Canada.
“Blain’s leadership has been instrumental in growing our manufacturing and distribution operations,” said Sam Hill, Chairman of Northern Lights Inc. “He has a deep respect for the engineering standards our customers demand and a customer-first mentality that makes him uniquely qualified to lead Northern Lights into its next era of growth while preserving the reliability that defines our 65-year legacy.”
Northern Lights was founded on the audacious and innovative idea of bringing electrification to remote Alaskan villages, where equipment failure could be a matter of survival. This heritage of solving complex challenges in unforgiving conditions remains the blueprint for the company’s future.
“I am excited to continue that culture of innovation,” said Middleton. “While we look to the future, we will remain grounded in the design philosophy that made Northern Lights the most well-respected, durable, and reliable equipment manufacturer in the industry. We are building for what’s next, without forgetting what got us here.”
Since joining Northern Lights in 2017, Middleton has held progressive leadership roles in production, operations, and executive management. Prior to Northern Lights, he spent nearly 30 years working with on- and off-highway diesel engine and industrial refrigeration applications. His career experience, from hands-on work as a diesel engine mechanic to fleet management, gives him a practical, field-tested perspective on what marine operators need: equipment that works when it matters most.
ERIC DALLIN JOINS AS DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Eric Dallin will lead marketing strategy and business development initiatives across Northern Lights’ marine power, propulsion and climate control portfolio. Dallin has more than 20 years of marine-industry experience with expertise in integrated sales and marketing leadership, go-to-market strategies, and brand management.
“Eric brings a remarkable track record of marketing innovation and leadership to our team,” said Blain Middleton, President. “His strategic vision and passion for driving brand growth will be invaluable as we continue to expand our market presence and help customers understand our comprehensive turnkey solutions.”
Dallin’s career is rooted in the marine industry, spanning agency services, publishing, digital media, and marketing strategy. Prior to joining Northern Lights, he held senior leadership roles across a portfolio of iconic marine brands including Power & Motoryacht, Soundings, SAIL, PassageMaker, Trade Only, and Yachts International. In those roles, he led digital transformation initiatives and helped establish modern marketing best practices widely adopted across the marine industry.
“For more than two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with many of the most influential brands in our industry,” said Dallin. “Northern Lights and Technicold have one of the most authentic and compelling stories in marine manufacturing, with a legacy rooted in reliability, engineering discipline, and real-world performance. That is a story worth telling, and I’m excited to help tell it.”
STRENGTHENING MARKET POSITION
These appointments underscore Northern Lights’ commitment to serving the full spectrum of marine applications from commercial fishing vessels, workboats, tugboats, ferries, and military craft to luxury yachts, sportfish, pleasure cruisers, and sailboats. The company’s integrated approach enables it to provide turnkey solutions from onboard power generation and main propulsion to premium HVAC and refrigeration systems.
About Northern Lights, Inc. Northern Lights, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of marine diesel generators, Lugger propulsion engines, Technicold HVAC systems, and distributor of MAN engines for the Western United States and Canada. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company has been powering marine applications for over 65 years with products known for their reliability, durability, and simplicity. Northern Lights products are distributed through over 375 authorized dealers across 40+ countries, with branch offices in Seattle, South Florida, Alaska, the Gulf Coast, and New England. For more information, visit https://www.northern-lights.com/.
Contact:
Ashley Uyeta
(206) 834-2385
auyeta@northern-lights.com