Tidewater Boats expanding Lexington County operations
Tidewater Boats is growing its Lexington County operations with a new satellite facility to build larger saltwater boats.
To accommodate the production of larger models, the company is investing $8.3 million and creating 100 new jobs.
Founded in 2006, Tidewater Boats has grown from 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.
The new site at 1 Brickyard Road in Lexington, S.C.will allow for more modernized, streamlined production, while freeing up space at Tidewater’s original facility, the South Carolina Department of Commerce reported in a news release issued on the company’s behalf.
“Our mission is to build a boat that is of great value and worthy of proud ownership,” said Tidewater Boats Founders Chris Martin and Jimmy Metts. “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.”
Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said the company is sending a message to the world that South Carolina has everything Tidewater needs to continue making its state-of-the-art products.
The expansion of Tidewater Boats’ operations bolsters the fact that Lexington County and the Midlands are a formidable area for economic foundation, development and growth, added Lexington County Council Chairman Todd Cullum.
“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,” Cullum said.
