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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Sea Pro Boats Invests $5.5 Million To Expand Whitmire, South Carolina, Manufacturing Plant

07/29/2015
Sea Pro Boats, is investing $5.5 million in a new Newberry County manufacturing facility, generating 238 new jobs in Whitmire, South Carolina.

Its new Newberry County facility, a 200,000-square-foot building to be located at 25214 Highway 121 in Whitmire, will house the company’s headquarters, as well as its manufacturing operations. Originally founded in 1987, Sea Pro Boats was purchased by Brunswick Corporation in 2005.

According to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, “recently, Jimmy Hancock, one of the original owners of Sea Pro, along with Tidewater Boats’ founder Preston Wrenn, decided to relaunch the company, planning an all-new incarnation of the Sea Pro brand – ‘The Next Wave.’ The line will feature seven new models, which are expected to be introduced by the end of this summer.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to be resurrecting Sea Pro Boats in Newberry County, and the outpouring of support from the town of Whitmire has been both humbling and heartwarming. I can’t express how much we appreciate what Newberry County and the South Carolina Department of Commerce have done to help make this dream a reality,” Sea Pro Boats Owners Jimmy Hancock and Preston Wrenn said.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $100,000 Set Aside grant to Newberry County to assist with costs of acquisition and real property improvements. The Council also approved job development credits related to the project.

“We’re excited to celebrate the return of one of our own companies and one of the most recognized brands in the boating industry. Sea Pro’s $5.5 million investment and the 238 new jobs it will create are not only a milestone for the company but also a huge win for our Midlands community and the entire state of South Carolina,” said Governor Nikki Haley.

“Newberry County has a strong history in boat manufacturing, so we all take special pride in this announcement. Combine that with home-grown entrepreneurs locating in a historic rural community like Whitmire and it becomes even more special,” Newberry County Council Chairman Henry H. Livingston, III added.

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