SC: Tidewater Boats to Build New Lexington County Facility, Create 100 Jobs

Tidewater Boats, a designer and manufacturer of premier saltwater boats, is growing its Lexington County operations. To accommodate the production of larger models, the company is investing $8.3 million and creating 100 new jobs.

Founded in 2006, Tidewater Boats uses state-of-the-art marine craftsmanship to design and build some of the most popular saltwater boats in the industry. The company has grown from a modest five models 10 years ago to 24 models today. Boat sizes range from 17 to 32 feet, with more models currently in the design process. Tidewater Boats accommodates a variety of customers by offering plush amenities for the whole family and the tools for the serious fisherman.

The company will be constructing a new satellite facility at 1 Brickyard Road in Lexington, S.C. to produce its larger models. The site will allow for more modernized, streamlined production, while also freeing up space at Tidewater's original facility to expand production. 

For more information on Tidewater Boats, visit the company's website.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to the project.

Quotes

"Our mission is to build a boat that is of great value and worthy of proud ownership. We accomplish this by utilizing historically-skilled South Carolina craftsmen, the most advanced composite materials available and a classic, distinctive design that sets us apart from our competition. We are thankful to be able to keep our facility in the Midlands of South Carolina where government officials are working hard to give us the best resources available to aid in growth and add jobs. Because of our team's commitment to excellence, we make it possible to deliver a unique boating dream." -Tidewater Boats General Manager Chris Martin

"Tidewater Boats is a South Carolina company through and through - and one that the people of our state should be proud of. Today, we celebrate this great company's continued success in Lexington County and look forward to the many years of prosperity we know are in its future." -Gov. Henry McMaster

"South Carolina continues to build a reputation for itself as a state that not only makes things but makes them well. With today's announcement by Tidewater Boats, the company is sending a message to the world that South Carolina has everything they need to continue making their state-of-the-art products." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

"This expansion of Tidewater Boats' operations bolsters the fact that Lexington County and the Midlands are a formidable area for economic foundation, development and growth. We are very excited that this thriving company will add even more jobs to our area, and that this expansion will help forge a path forward for other companies who are looking to locate to a rapidly growing area with a highly-motivated workforce." -Lexington County Council Chairman Todd Cullum

Five Fast Facts

• Tidewater Boats is growing its Lexington County operations.
• $8.3 million investment to create 100 new jobs.
• Tidewater Boats is a designer and manufacturer of some of the most popular saltwater boats in the industry.
• The company will be constructing a new satellite facility at 1 Brickyard Road in Lexington, S.C. to produce its larger models.

For more information on Tidewater Boats, visit the company's website. 

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 business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. 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. With a strong international footprint, since 2011, South Carolina has ranked among top three in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment on a per capita basis, according to IBM-Plant Location International. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.