Columbia, South Carolina
December 21, 2011 – Sportsman Boats Manufacturing Inc., a maker of saltwater
fishing boats, today announced plans to establish its new facility in Dorchester
County. The $2 million investment is expected to generate 30 new jobs.
"We are pleased to begin operations in South
Carolina’s Lowcountry area. Dorchester County has provided us with an excellent
business environment and we look forward to building boats here. We appreciate
all the support we’ve received from state and local officials," said Tommy
Hancock and Dale Martin, co-owners of Sportsman Boats Manufacturing.
Sportsman Boats Manufacturing is a start-up company
that will initially lease space in the Eastport Industrial Park in Dorchester
County. The company will produce boats ranging in size from 20 to 25 feet and
will initially build deep "v" center consoles and bay boats. The company
expects to begin manufacturing operations next month.
"We are talking with companies every day about
bringing investment to South Carolina, but it’s always very exciting to see a
company start its operations in the Palmetto State. We celebrate Sportsman
Boats Manufacturing’s decision to establish its plant in Dorchester County and
create 30 new jobs," said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since the beginning of
the year, South Carolina has recruited more than $3.9 billion in investment and
more than 12,000 new jobs in the manufacturing sector.
"Start-ups and small businesses play a vital role in
our state’s economy. Sportsman Boats Manufacturing’s decision to locate in
South Carolina not only helps build on our state’s manufacturing sector, but
also shows that the state’s business-friendly climate provides a solid
foundation for entrepreneurs," said Bobby Hitt, Secretary of Commerce.
"It’s particularly gratifying to announce new jobs during the holidays,"
said R.M. Singletary, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance. "Maritime commerce and boat building have always been part of our region’s
history and skill set. Sportsman Boats Manufacturing will continue that
tradition of excellence and we’re glad they recognize the strategic location,
benefits of a deep-water port and the skilled talent of our three-county
region."
"We are pleased that Sportsman Boats Manufacturing
has chosen Dorchester County for their new facility. This investment
further cements the county’s reputation as a center of excellence in boat and
marine manufacturing and is also proof of our commitment to the area’s growing
industries," said Dorchester County Council Chairman Larry Hargett.
The Coordinating Council
for Economic Development approved the company for job development credits,
which will be available when hiring targets are met. The S.C. Technical College
System will provide pre-employment training.
The company will begin hiring for the new positions
in mid-January. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should
contact SC Works center in Summerville at 843-821-0695.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina’s leading economic development
agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help
existing businesses grow. This year, Commerce won the
Gold Shovel Award and the Deal of Year Award from Area Development magazine.
Commerce has been part of recruiting world-class companies to South Carolina
such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, Heinz, ZF Group, BMW and
Google Inc. Commerce also supports small and existing business, rural
development initiatives and offers grants for community development. For more
information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
