US fishing boat building announces major expansion

Boat builder Chris-Craft has begun expanding the factory at its Sarasota, Florida headquarters. The project will create another 200 jobs.

The company, which includes sea fishing and freshwater fishing boats in its portfolio, is building an 80,000 square-foot facility that will enable increased production facilities to meet growing demanding and to expand its range of models.

The project is on a six-acre brownfield site next to Chris-Craft’s existing factory, which currently covers 20 acres and already employs more than 300 people.

The company, founded in 1874, was originally based in Michigan, but has been making boats in Sarasota since 1988. “We are excited to expand Chris-Craft right here at our home facility,” said President Steve Heese. “Through this expansion, we will be able to better serve our dealers and customers, as well as the Sarasota community.”

Completion of the project is scheduled for September this year.