Boater’s World Manufacturing Group to Create Jobs and Boost Economy in Beaufort County
CHOCOWINITY, N.C. — Boater’s World Manufacturing Group, LLC is set to invigorate the local economy by creating 179 new jobs in Beaufort County. The company plans to invest over $6 million to establish a state-of-the-art boat manufacturing campus in Chocowinity, enhancing North Carolina’s reputation as a leader in manufacturing.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “From building materials to building boats, North Carolina’s manufacturing expertise is second to none.” He further highlighted that such investments in rural areas underscore the state’s strong business environment, supported by a skilled workforce and robust infrastructure.
As a new venture for Outdoor Network, Boater’s World Manufacturing Group enters the boat manufacturing industry with the acquisition of NauticStar Boats. Outdoor Network, a prominent figure in the recreational marine and powersports sector since 1999, will now extend its operations with this new 212,000 square-foot facility on the Pamlico River, marking it as the flagship manufacturing site.
Martin Polo, CEO of Outdoor Network, shared his enthusiasm: “Our growth over the last 27 years has always been driven by a simple focus on doing right by our customers, and building boats of our own has always been one of our goals to better serve the marine community.” He expressed gratitude for North Carolina’s partnership and looked forward to making Beaufort County their manufacturing base.
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley praised the decision, pointing out that it reflects the confidence businesses have in North Carolina’s favorable economic conditions. He noted that the combination of a skilled workforce, efficient waterfront access, and a strong marine supply chain makes Chocowinity an ideal location to support the state’s $17 billion outdoor recreation economy.
The job openings will offer an annual average salary of $54,916, surpassing Beaufort County’s average of $50,175. This could translate into an annual payroll impact exceeding $1.2 million for the region.
A performance-based grant of $375,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will support Boater’s World Manufacturing Group’s relocation to the state. This fund aids local governments in attracting economic investments and job creation, with conditions such as meeting job creation and capital investment targets. The company must invest $1.3 million to qualify for the grant, which requires matching local government participation.
Senator Bob Brinson celebrated this achievement, saying, “This is a tremendous win for Beaufort County and for rural eastern North Carolina.” He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, the Department of Commerce, and local leaders in fostering private investment and strengthening rural communities.
Representative Keith Kidwell welcomed the new venture, acknowledging the value that Boater’s World Manufacturing Group sees in the community’s resources and readiness for business growth and opportunity creation.
Key partners in this initiative include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the North Carolina Community College System, Beaufort County Community College, Beaufort County, and the Town of Chocowinity.
Read More Here
Comments are closed.