EDGEWATER, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited Boston Whaler to highlight the company’s recent expansion and job creation. Boston Whaler completed their 18 month expansion project at their Edgewater plant this January, which resulted in the creation of 120 new Florida jobs. Boston Whaler has more than doubled their workforce at the Edgewater facility since the end of 2010 and now employs over 600 Floridians. Boston Whaler has been manufacturing boats in Florida since 1988.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Boston Whaler is one of many companies that have recognized Florida as the best place to grow their business and we are excited to celebrate their most recent expansion today. Job creators like Boston Whaler growing in our state has resulted in more than 841,000 new jobs since December 2010, which means more Floridians are able to provide for their families. We will keep working to support this growth so Florida can become the global destination for jobs.”

Boston Whaler President Huw Bower said, “Boston Whaler is committed to creating the safest, easiest to own, and most exciting boats on the water, and Florida is truly the best place for us to meet that goal. We are grateful to Governor Scott for visiting our facility today to highlight our recent incredible growth, and we look forward to continuing to serve our great customers and grow our dedicated team here in the Sunshine State.”

Florida ranks among the nation’s top 10 states for manufacturing, because of its leading business climate, workforce, and trade and transportation infrastructure. Ship and boat building is in the top 20 Manufacturing Segments for employment and wages in the state of Florida. More than 18,600 manufacturing companies employ some 321,000 employees who produce a wide variety of goods, including electronic components, aerospace and defense products, metal fabrication and medical equipment.

“Boston Whaler is a leader in the marine industry and we thank them for their continued job creation and capital investment,” said Bill Johnson, president & CEO of Enterprise Florida. “Thanks to the work of Governor Scott and state leaders, Florida’s manufacturing sector continues to grow. We look forward to telling the state’s business story to companies across the country and making more great announcements like this.”

Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “Boston Whaler is thriving in Florida, where we have the perfect climate for business. The company has expanded to create more high-wage, high-skill jobs in Edgewater, and its success is an important part of the region’s growing economy.”

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