Chris-Craft adds production capacity with opening of state-of-the-art manufacturing facility
March 28 2023 - 5:15PM
In a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, Chris-Craft, America’s Boatbuilder
Since 1874 and wholly owned subsidiary of Winnebago Industries
(NYSE: WGO), opened its doors to a new state-of-the-art
manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Florida today. The new
building, known to the team at Chris-Craft as Building 5, increases
the company’s production capacity by 50 percent and spans over
70,000 square feet, allowing for the full build of boats from start
to finish.
Using the latest manufacturing equipment and technology,
Chris-Craft will build six models from 24 feet to 28 feet in the
facility. The expansion also allows the storied boatbuilder to
expand their model offering as it looks to continue to meet future
customer preferences. Each Chris-Craft is built to order, following
a detailed, meticulous process to ensure the finest quality
product.
“I’m thrilled to see boats rolling off the new line,” said
Chris-Craft President, Steve Heese. “The new
building marks an important milestone in the growth of our company
and the enhanced production capacity this new building provides
will help our dealer network meet demand for our products and
ultimately, ensure our customers enjoy incredible experiences on
the water.”
Site preparation for the new building began in November of 2021
followed by an official groundbreaking in February 2022. The
company anticipates the building will add over 200 jobs to the
community and is currently looking to hire in the Sarasota
area.
“I am on honored to join Chris-Craft in celebrating the opening
of your new facility,” said Sen. Rick Scott
(R-Fla) in a letter to the company. “Thank you for your
work to continue Florida’s economic growth and create opportunities
for families across the state.”
Originally based in Michigan, Chris-Craft has been manufacturing
boats in Sarasota, FL since 1988. Chris-Craft was purchased by
Winnebago Industries, a leading North American manufacturer of
outdoor lifestyle products, in 2018.
“The team at Chris-Craft builds some of the finest boats in the
world and I thank them for their effort to bring this facility from
vision to reality,” said Michael Happe, Winnebago
Industries Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to have
the company as part of the Winnebago Industries family and are
committed to continuing to invest in their future success and the
marine industry at large.”
To construct the 70,000 square-foot facility expansion,
Chris-Craft partnered with Ryan Companies US Inc., a national
developer, builder, designer, and property manager offering
full-service commercial real estate solutions based in Tampa,
FL.
ABOUT CHRIS-CRAFT
Chris-Craft, America's boatbuilder Since 1874, leads the
industry in craftsmanship and quality which represents the
company's enduring devotion to its proud past. Chris-Craft is
headquartered in Sarasota, Florida and builds the following
sterndrive and outboard power boat models for the 2023 Collection:
The Launch, Launch GT, Calypso, and the Catalina, which
range in length from 24 to 35 feet. For more information, visit:
www.chriscraft.com. Chris-Craft is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO)
a 65-year-old manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle
product.
For more information, contact:
Allison Scharnow, Chris-Craft
Vice President, Marketing & Customer Experience
+1 (941) 358-3737 | allison@chriscraft.com
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