Scout Boats expanding South Carolina facility, adding 370 jobs

Scout Boats is expanding its existing Dorchester County, S.C., operations, as the company adds multiple new boat models to its product catalog, bringing $10.9 million of capital investment and creating 370 new jobs.

“We’ve been a long-standing boat builder and employer in South Carolina over the past three decades,” said Scout Boats founder and CEO Steve Potts. “From our humble beginnings to now one of the most respected and innovative boat builders in the industry, we are proud of our heritage and excited about our future. We couldn’t be where we are today without them or the support of our state. We’re excited about our future plans, as well as providing an incredible place to work for our current and future workforce here in Summerville.” 

Located in Summerville, S.C., the expansion includes a new 120,000-square-foot facility, designed to accommodate the company’s new 53-foot LXF luxury center console model. Hiring for the new positions has already begun.

“South Carolina’s economy continues to grow with great companies like Scout Boats investing in our state and our people,” said South Carolian Gov. Henry McMaster. “Our state’s manufacturing industry is one of the most important forces driving our economy, and that’s because our skilled workforce has proven that it’s better than any other in the world.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project. A $350,000 Set Aside grant was also awarded to Dorchester County for road improvements associated with this project.

“We would like to congratulate Scout Boats for their tremendous investment in Dorchester County and in the State of South Carolina,” said Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. “The Palmetto State has been leading the way in manufacturing for some time now, and announcements from homegrown companies like this one ensure that South Carolina will continue to stay on top.”

“We are very excited about the significant expansion of Scout Boats in Dorchester County, which is not their first since arriving in 1989,” said Dorchester County Council Chairman Jay Byars. “They are a major reason that Dorchester County has been named ‘the boat building capital of South Carolina.’ Scout is a locally-grown company committed to their community and their employees. Their technological innovation and new line of boats will be manufactured for clients all over the world, and we are very excited to witness their continued success.”