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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Ellis Boat Company Expands Operations Center in Southwest Harbor, Maine

02/06/2014
Ellis Boat Company will invest $650,000 to expand its operations center in Southwest Harbor, Maine, by adding a new facility that includes a new crane and additional manufacturing space.

Originally founded in 1945, Ellis Boat Company has been making custom watercraft for decades. The company is known for its traditional-style Downeast yachts ranging from basic lobster boats to luxury cruisers, made from both wood and fiberglass.

“Maine has a rich tradition of boat building,” said Gov. Paul R. LePage. “It’s encouraging to see a family-operated business like Ellis Boat Company invest in new products and continue striving to be the best. Their investment is a sign of confidence in their employees and to the future of what is a very competitive industry in Maine.”

In mid-December, a team from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, including Commissioner George Gervais and Governor LePage Account Executive Brian Mulligan, visited Ellis Boat Yard for a company briefing and facilities tour. According to the Department of Economic and Community Development, during the meeting, they discussed available Maine business tax incentive programs and their applicability to the potential expansion of the company. As a follow-up, Mulligan worked closely with company officials to facilitate certification in the relevant programs, and he helped kick-start a plan that is now well underway.

Shane Ellis, Ellis Boat Company President said, “there’s a reason the state of Maine has put incentives out there, and it’s to encourage businesses like us to get over the hump and invest more money in products and people. That’s what it really boils down to.”

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