FORT PIERCE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Maverick Boat Group (MBG) will be building a new boat manufacturing facility in Fort Pierce which will create 100 new jobs. The expansion will also invest $7 million in the local economy.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to announce that Maverick Boat Group will be opening a new manufacturing facility which will create 100 new jobs for families in St. Lucie County. By working to reduce burdensome regulations and cut taxes, like permanently eliminating the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment, we are making it easier for businesses like Maverick Boat Group to invest in our state. We will work to cut $180 million in taxes during the upcoming legislative session to ensure Florida remains the top destination for job creators.”

Scott Deal, founder and CEO of MBG, said, “We’ve fully outgrown the capacity of existing facilities and need a lot more room for production. Our plan is to be fully operational by next summer, get in there and start building boats. In the final phase we’ll be adding a total of 277,000 square feet of new production space. It’s very important and significant that our region and leaders are facilitating and recognizing the importance of manufacturing jobs like the ones we provide. The jobs are essential, not subject to offshoring, and preserve the legacy of boat building and manufacturing that is an organic part of the community culture.”

The new facility will house larger models and free up capacity at Maverick Boat Group’s existing 9.5-acre facility in Ft. Pierce, which will increase production and expand model offerings for each of the company’s four brands. Construction of the new manufacturing facility will begin this summer, and MBG will continue manufacturing its Maverick, Cobia, Pathfinder and Hewes brands sold around the world at its current facility. The new facility will add an additional 38 acres to their headquarters.

Pete Tesch, president of the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, said, “The company is one of the county’s largest private employers and a driving force in our economy. Directly and indirectly, retention of existing jobs already provides $173 million in sales output and payrolls combined on an annual recurring basis. New jobs will bring an additional recurring impact amounting to nearly $42 million each year. We’re very pleased that the company continues to choose St. Lucie as home for their permanent headquarters.”

St. Lucie County Commission Chairman Chris Dzadovsky said, “We are thrilled to see St. Lucie County’s ties to the marine industry continue to thrive. Maverick’s expansion, adjacent to the Treasure Coast International Airport, will create additional jobs and show other businesses that there is plenty of room to grow here in St. Lucie County.”

…              

Maverick Boat Group is located in Fort Pierce, FL, Maverick Boat Group is privately owned and operated and is the manufacturer of the best in breed boat brands Maverick, Hewes, Pathfinder and Cobia. For more information call Charlie Johnson at 772.465.0631 or visit www.maverickboatgroup.com.

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

The Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County, Inc. is a public/private

501(C) 6 corporation established to attract new business, support expansion and retention of existing businesses, and advance community and economic development in St. Lucie County. The goal of the EDC is to develop high-wage, high-skill jobs in our community.

# # #