Boater’s World Manufacturing Group LLC announced Friday, August 28, that it plans to create 179 new jobs in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The company intends to invest over $6 million to establish a boat manufacturing campus in Chocowinity.
This venture marks Outdoor Network’s entry into boat manufacturing through the acquisition of NauticStar Boats. Outdoor Network has been active in the recreational marine and powersports industry since 1999. The new facility will span 212,000 square feet and be located on the waterfront of the Pamlico River, serving as the company’s primary manufacturing operation.
Martin Polo, CEO of Outdoor Network, stated that the company’s growth has been driven by a focus on customer service, and building their own boats has been a long-term goal to better serve the marine community. He expressed gratitude for North Carolina’s partnership and excitement about making Beaufort County their manufacturing home.
The annual average salary for the new assembly, engineering, and operations roles is projected to be $54,916. This figure surpasses the average annual salary for Beaufort County, which is $50,175. These new positions are expected to generate an annual payroll impact exceeding $1.2 million for the region.
To support this project, a performance-based grant of $375,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will be provided. This fund offers financial assistance to local governments to attract economic investment and create jobs. Companies do not receive upfront payments and must meet specific job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for the funds. Boater’s World Manufacturing Group must invest $1.3 million to receive the OneNC grant payments, which also require matching participation from local governments.
State Senator Bob Brinson highlighted the project as a significant achievement for Beaufort County and eastern North Carolina, demonstrating the results of collaboration among the General Assembly, the Governor’s Office, the Department of Commerce, and local leaders in supporting existing industries and encouraging private investment.
Key partners involved in this project include the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, the North Carolina Community College System, Beaufort County Community College, Beaufort County, and the Town of Chocowinity.
