Sea Pro Boats is going big in South Carolina with a major expansion to add production capacity for larger center-console boats.
The plant in Winnsboro, South Carolina, will be the second for the company that has built center-console fishing boats for 30 years. The facility is off State Highway 34 East, while Sea Pro’s current facility is in Whitmire, about 40 miles away.
“We couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to expand operations into Fairfield County. As South Carolina Central Midlands natives ourselves, Jimmy Hancock and I are proud to be blessed with a growing business where can provide jobs and opportunities to our friends and neighbors,” said Preston Wrenn, co-owner of Sea Pro, in a statement. “Winnsboro felt like the right move for us to hopefully provide a little light to a community with the pride in which we build our boats. We hope that this expansion will provide another stake supporting the banner that South Carolina is the state for global manufacturing.”
The $3 million plant, which is expected to be completed by June, will build boats greater than 24 feet. Sea Pro has six models from 17 to 26 feet and as the industry trends toward larger boats, expect the company to introduce larger models.
The new production facility is expected to create 135 new jobs for the region.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits for the project. A $1.25 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant was also awarded to Fairfield County to assist with the project.
“It’s a special day when a company decides to expand within our state because it shows that we have the workforce and business environment that companies need to grow and succeed,” said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster in a statement. “Sea Pro Boats, LLC is a great South Carolina company that we are proud of, and we congratulate them on their investment that will bring 135 more jobs to Fairfield County.”