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Boating Business

Boston Whaler Expanding to Meet Demand

Boston Whaler says increased interest in its largest offerings like the 380 Realm drove the expansion.

Brunswick Corporation and Boston Whaler held a groundbreaking ceremony ahead of the reopening of its 225,000 sq. ft. (20,903 sq. m) Flagler County manufacturing facility to expand production. Record demand has brought about the expansion that will increase production by 40 percent and bring more than 400 jobs to the local economy over the next 18-24 months.

Just in Time

The event was hosted by Dave Foulkes, Brunswick CEO; Aine Denari, President of Brunswick Boat Group; and Nick Stickler, President of Boston Whaler. Joining the Brunswick leadership team were local dignitaries, employees, and community leaders, all of whom are looking forward to welcoming Brunswick back to Flagler County. The first boats from the new facility are expected to hit the water in the second half of this year.

“This manufacturing expansion represents an exciting step for Brunswick and Boston Whaler as we look for immediate opportunities to meet the global demand for our award-winning products and work to replenish historically low inventory pipelines,” said Nick Stickler, Boston Whaler president. “We are equally excited to bring hundreds of new jobs to Flagler County in support of the growing economy and work together with the community to deliver exceptional consumer experiences for one of the industry’s most iconic brands.”

 

Boston Whaler president Nick Stickler.

“On behalf of the City of Palm Coast, I am proud to welcome Brunswick and Boston Whaler to our community,” said Palm Coast Councilman Nick Klufas. “This project restores a much-missed sector of our local community and Boston Whaler’s commitment to providing high-quality and rewarding careers which opens up hundreds of new job opportunities locally. Along with the job growth, Boston Whaler’s vision to continued strong economic growth and success in our schools and our community makes them an ideal community partner.”

 

Imagine how many recreational boaters got their start in a Whaler Super Sport.

Since 2014, Boston Whaler has invested more than $60M manufacturing a full line of award-winning new products in addition to expanding manufacturing capacity by 75 percent during that time at its current 550,000 square-foot global headquarters and manufacturing center in Edgewater, Florida. In 2019 Brunswick also opened the 45,000 square foot fiberglass boat technology center in Edgewater, home to the industry’s premier boat product development, engineering, and design teams.