S.C. boat builders add workers
CHARLESTON, S.C. — South Carolina boat builder Sea Fox Boats plans to add 25 workers, and nearby Scout Boats recently brought back about 35, according to a report in Charleston’s Post and Courier. Key West Boats of Summerville also added workers last year, according to the paper.
In January and February, Scout recalled workers who had been laid off over the past two years and added a handful of new ones. The boat builder now has 110 employees. An official told the paper Scout produced between 350 and 400 boats last year, but the company expects to double that number this year.
Meanwhile, Sea Fox is in the process of hiring 25 people to be able to double the number of boats it produces. The company now employs 50 people and last year manufactured 500 boats.
Key West Boats added about 25 workers last summer when its model year changed. It produced 900 watercraft last year, and it hopes to increase that number to 1,400 this year.
The boat builders told the paper three factors are helping boost business: increased sales at boat shows from recession-weary buyers coming back into the market, dealers replacing depleted inventories, and some dealers picking up new product lines.
To read the full Post and Courier report, click here.
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