SC: Sportsman Boats Manufacturing to Double Size in Dorchester, Hire 150

Sportsman Boats Manufacturing, a manufacturer of saltwater fishing boats, is more than doubling the size of its existing facility in Dorchester County. The $3.5 million investment is expected to create 150 new jobs.

The 74,000-square-foot facility located on 113 Isaac Way in Summerville will be expanded by approximately 116,000 square feet to accommodate growing demand of the company's product line.

Sportsman's product offering currently includes 10 models ranging in size from 20-25 feet that are center consoles, bay boats and dual console boats designed for saltwater enthusiasts. The company plans to launch several new models in the near future.

Those interested in a position with Sportsman may apply in person or send their resumes to P.O. Box 2100, Summerville, S.C. 29484.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits and a $200,000 set aside grant for the project.

QUOTES

"We are excited about the future here in South Carolina and Dorchester County. Sportsman has experienced phenomenal growth in our first two and a half years in business with a current dealer footprint along the eastern seaboard from Maine to Miami, around the Gulf States into Texas and around the great lakes. We look forward to many years of successful manufacturing here in South Carolina." -Tommy Hancock, co-owner of Sportsman Boats Manufacturing

"We are pleased with the help and support Dorchester County Economic Development has provided for us over the past two and a half years and are looking forward to a very successful future with their continued help." -Dale Martin, co-owner of Sportsman Boats Manufacturing

"Sportsman Boats is a great South Carolina company and represents the strong entrepreneurial spirit the people of our state have. We commend their $3.5 million investment, which will create another 150 jobs in Dorchester County and look forward to their continued success in the Lowcountry and throughout South Carolina." -Gov. Nikki Haley

"Sportsman began in South Carolina only two years ago and is already doubling its footprint - further proving that we are just right for business and just right for new developments and manufacturing innovations. If this is how much they have grown in just two years, I can't wait to see what the future has in store for Sportsman and South Carolina's business relationship." -Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

"In just three years, Sportsman Boats has grown from a startup company to a major employer in Dorchester County.  We congratulate Sportsman Boats on their expansion and thank them for their continued partnership with Dorchester County." -Bill Hearn, Chairman Dorchester County Council

FIVE FAST FACTS

• Sportsman Boats Manufacturing is more than doubling the size of its existing facility in Dorchester County.
• The $3.5 million investment is expected to create 150 new jobs.
• The 74,000-square-foot facility located on 113 Isaac Way in Summerville will be expanded by approximately 116,000 square feet.
• Sportsman's product offering includes 10 models in the following categories: center consoles, bay boats and dual console boats - the company plans to launch several new models in the near future.
• Applicants interested in a position with Sportsman may apply in person or send their resumes to P.O. Box 2100, Summerville, S.C. 29484.

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 nation 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.