Boston Whaler receives job creator award from Florida governor

Boston Whaler has been recognized with a 2015 Job Creator Award, presented by Florida Governor Rick Scott at Enterprise Florida, Inc.’s Board of Directors Meeting on Aug. 20.

This award recognizes Florida businesses that have created a significant number of jobs in the past year, helping to boost the state’s economy and improve the lives of Floridians. The award comes on the heels of an 18-month expansion of Boston Whaler’s Edgewater plant, which resulted in more than 120 new jobs. Boston Whaler has more than doubled its workforce at the Edgewater facility since 2010 and now employs more than 600 workers.

“Boston Whaler has always been committed to the highest quality of manufacturing and hiring the very best workers to achieve that quality,” said Boston Whaler Director of Human Resources Brandon Beck, who was on hand to accept the award at the Sawgrass Marriott in Ponte Vedra. “We value being able to contribute to the marine industry and the overall economic health of the state of Florida. This award is a huge honor for us.”

Governor Scott visited the expanded Edgewater facility this past May and remarked on the company’s continuing success: “Boston Whaler is one of many companies that have recognized Florida as the best place to grow their business. 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.”

The Whaler facility expansion added more than 58,000 total square feet, significantly increasing Whaler’s manufacturing capabilities and expanding capacity at a time when the company is enjoying strong growth. The  new 420 Outrage and the Innovation Award-winning 320 Vantage, both introduced domestically within the last 10 months, will make their European debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, September 8-13.

“Boston Whaler has been able to grow our portfolio of unsinkable boats, due not only to our facilities expansion, but also to the higher number of skilled hands on deck,” said Boston Whaler President Huw Bower. “Each new person contributes to our mission of creating legendary boats for Floridians and boaters around the world.”

EFI is a public-private partnership between Florida’s business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI’s mission is to expand and diversify the state’s economy through job creation.

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