For Immediate Release
May 13, 2014
Scout Boats Inc. to create 300 jobs with Dorchester
County facility expansion
$2.5 million
investment to add 30,000 sq. ft. to existing footprint
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Scout
Boats Inc., a manufacturer of sport fishing boats, is expanding its
Dorchester County facility in response to increased customer demand – both
domestically and overseas. The company’s $2.5 million investment is expected to
create 300 jobs.
The company is building an
additional 30,000 square feet onto its 182,000-square-foot facility. The expanded
factory in Summerville will build composite parts for newly designed LXF series
(the 275LXF, 300LXF, 320LXF, 350LXF, 380LXF and 420LXF models) and component parts
for the new 275 & 320 Dorado series.
Founded in 1989 by President and CEO Steve Potts, Scout Boats can now
be found in 72 dealers across the nation and world.
Scout Boats has been involved with the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s
export assistance program (State Trade and Export Promotion, or STEP), which
has helped the company make export connections in countries such as Mexico,
Brazil, Finland, Sweden, Italy, Colombia and Australia. Through the STEP
program, Scout Boats has been able to foster these new sales relationships and
boost the company’s bottom line, creating the opportunity for additional
expansion.
The Coordinating Council for
Economic Development approved job development credits for the project.
QUOTES
“Scout Boats is very proud
that here in Summerville, S.C. are some of the most skilled craftsmen in the
world of recreational boat building. Our Premium brand is sought after around
the world by some of the most discriminating boaters.” –Steve Potts, president and CEO of Scout Boats Inc.
“Scout Boats is a great
example of South Carolina-grown entrepreneurship. They began here in our state,
and they continue to grow and strengthen our economy. We congratulate them on
their $2.5 million investment and 300 new jobs.” –Gov. Nikki Haley
“When a business begins in
South Carolina and grows the way Scout Boats has, it sends the signal that we
are a place that fosters new developments and manufacturing innovations. We
appreciate Scout Boats’ commitment and long-standing relationship with
Dorchester County and our state.” –Secretary
of Commerce Bobby Hitt
"The expansion of South Carolina
manufacturers like Scout Boats is a testament to our state’s positive business
climate and the growth of manufacturing across the Southeast. The SC Ports
Authority looks forward to continuing to meet Scout Boats’ export needs through
the Port of Charleston." -Jim
Newsome, president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority
“We are delighted to see that
Scout Boats not only decided to put their roots in Dorchester County, but has
also chosen to expand here as their business continues to grow. The success of
Scout Boats is a testament to the thriving marine sector in Dorchester County
and we are happy to continue our partnership with Scout Boats.” -Dorchester
County Council Chairman Bill Hearn
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Scout Boats Inc. is expanding its Dorchester
County facility. - The$2.5 million investment is
expected to create 300 jobs. - The
company is building an
additional 30,000 square feet onto
its 182,000-square-foot facility. - Scout Boats has been heavily involved with
the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s export assistance program, which has helped the company make export connections in countries such
as Mexico, Brazil, Finland, Sweden, Italy, Colombia and Australia. - Scout Boats can now be found in 72 dealers across the nation and world.
About Scout Boats Inc.
Scout builds sportfishing, fish
‘n ski, walk around, and bay boat models ranging from 17’ to 35’ (soon to be
42’). Since its founding almost 25 years ago, Scout Boat’s goal has been to
manufacture the best-built boats in its distinctive sportfishing niches. Each
Scout hull is a true original, as the in-house research and design team works
closely with engineering to take concepts from blueprint to production more
efficiently, growing the company’s world-class reputation for quality,
strength, durability and value.
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. Commerce has recruited world-class companies
to South Carolina such as Boeing, Bridgestone, Continental, Monster.com, ZF
Group, BMW and Google Inc. and also supports small and existing business, rural
development initiatives and community development. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and
recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of
Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment
opportunities within the state. South Carolina ranked first in the national for
attracting jobs through foreign investment, according to IBM-Plant Location
International reports in both 2012 and 2013. The state won the Gold Shovel
Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012. For
more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Allison Skipper, APR
Director of Marketing &
Communications
South Carolina Department of
Commerce
(803) 737-1998
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