Columbia, South Carolina
July 2, 2013 – Sportsman Boats Manufacturing plans to expand its
current operations in Dorchester County with a move into a larger facility. The
$2.35 million investment is expected to generate 50 new jobs within the next
five years.
"We are pleased with the success we’ve had here in
Dorchester County and we’re looking forward to growing our operations here.
This expansion is a big step for our company. South Carolina has provided a
great fit for our business and we appreciate all the support we’ve received
from state and local officials," said Tommy Hancock, president of Sportsman
Boats Manufacturing.
Sportsman Boats Manufacturing is moving its
operations into a new, larger facility at 113 Isaac Way, which will give the
company 72,600 square feet of space. The expansion will allow the company to
expand its capacity as well as add new boat models to its product range. The
company expects to be fully moved into the new facility by Labor Day.
"It’s always exciting to see one of our existing
businesses grow, and we’re thrilled to see Sportsman Boats Manufacturing expand
less than two years after first setting up shop in Dorchester County. We
celebrate the company’s decision to invest $2.35 million and create 50 new jobs
in Summerville," said Gov. Nikki Haley.
Since January 2011,
South Carolina has recruited more than $9 billion in capital investment and
more than 23,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector.
"South Carolinians know how to build things, and
build them well. Sportsman Boats Manufacturing’s expansion adds momentum to the
Palmetto State’s manufacturing renaissance, and we look forward to them
continuing to grow and create jobs that will have an impact," said Secretary of
Commerce Bobby Hitt.
"Expansion projects like this speak volumes for
Dorchester County’s reputation," said Dorchester County Council Chairman Bill
Hearn. "Our boat manufacturing sector has seen continued growth over the
last few years, and Sportsman Boats Manufacturing is no exception. We
thank Sportsman Boats for partnering with Dorchester County and look forward to
seeing their company continue to thrive in the future."
The company will begin hiring for the new positions
this month. Anyone interested in job opportunities with the company should
visit the company’s careers webpage at www.sportsmanboatsmfg.com/Careers.html.
For more information about Sportsman Boats
Manufacturing, please visit www.sportsmanboatsmfg.com.
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, Heinz, 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 has been ranked first in
attracting jobs through foreign investment by IBM-Plant Location International.
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.
