Sea Ray plant revived for Boston Whaler
Brunswick Group, the leading U.S. recreational boat manufacturer, is moving forward with its plan to expand its manufacturing facilities. Brunswick Group executives David Foulkes and Brunswick Boat Group, the division in charge of boat production, Aine Denari, celebrated the reopening of their Flagler County, Florida, plant on May 21, 2021. The 20,000+ square foot facility had been closed in 2019 following the discontinuation of many models in the Sea Ray line of inboard powerboats and an attempt to sell off the brand. It is finally reopening in favor of another Brunswick Group brand, Boston Whaler. It should employ more than 400 people within 18 to 24 months, according to the company's management forecasts. The pleasure boat specialist has announced a $9 million investment in modernizing its industrial facilities.
Meeting the needs of boat dealers
The reopening is part of a global policy by the Brunswick group to increase its production capacity worldwide. With its Flagler County site, it aims to increase the number of boats produced by Boston Whaler by 40%. The manufacturer is obliged to resize its production tool to meet the demands of boaters in a boating market in full post-covid growth. "This production expansion is an exciting step for Brunswick and Boston Whaler as we look for immediate opportunities to meet global demand for our award-winning products and work to replenish historically low inventories," said Nick Stickler, president of Boston Whaler.
