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.For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.