The town of Whitmire, hard-hit economically with the departure of the textile industry, is getting a new manufacturing plant.
Sea Pro Boats, a renowned brand in the boating industry, yesterday announced investment of $5.5 million in a new manufacturing facility near Whitmire in Newberry County. Sea Pro Boats says it’s returning to the market with ‘The Next Wave’ – an all new line of bay boats and center console offshore fishing boats.
The company was founded in the South Carolina midlands in 1987. It was sold to Brunswick Corporation in 2005. Jimmy Hancock, one of the original owners of Sea Pro, along with Tidewater Boats’ founder Preston Wrenn, have decided to re-launch the company and plan an all-new incarnation of the Sea Pro brand – ‘The Next Wave.’ The line will feature seven new models, which are expected to be introduced by the end of this summer.
Sea Pro’s new Newberry County facility in a 200,000-square-foot building will be at a former Renfro plant on Highway 121 south of Whitmire, and will house the company’s headquarters as well as its manufacturing operations.
Expected to be fully operational in the third quarter of 2015, hiring is anticipated to begin early this fall. At that time, those interested in working with the company should contact SC Works.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $100,000 Set- Aside grant for Newberry County to assist with costs of acquisition and real property improvements. The Council also approved job development credits related to the project.
Governor Nikki Haley said “We’re excited to celebrate the return of one of our own companies and one of the most recognized brands in the boating industry.”
Newberry County Council Chair Henry H. Livingston III said “Newberry County has a strong history in boat manufacturing, so we all take special pride in this announcement. Combine that with home-grown entrepreneurs locating in a historic rural community like Whitmire, and it becomes even more special. On behalf of County Council, we welcome Sea Pro Boats back and pledge to do all we can to help make the company successful.”
