Boating company expansion to bring 75 jobs to Dorchester County

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As coastal residents start to take to the water once again for the spring, Sportsman Boats Manufacturing Inc. is expanding to provide even more products for aquatic lovers. 

The family-owned and -operated maker of saltwater, center-console fishing boats is investing $8 million to expand its Dorchester County operations and create 75 jobs. The expansion will help increase Sportsman Boats’ manufacturing capacity amid continued growing demands in the boating market, the company said in a news release.  

Sportsman Boats President Tommy Hancock said the company has grown “tremendously” since opening as a start-up in Summerville in 2012. 

“A big part of that success has been made possible by the support of Dorchester County and the world-class labor force available in this area,” Hancock said in a statement. “We have a great future ahead of us for our brand, our family of employees and our manufacturing facility. Our expansion sets that plan in motion and further solidifies our future.” 

Sportsman Boats’ expansion plan includes a 75,000-square-foot climate-controlled building that will allow the company to manufacture small fiberglass parts and powder coating. Plans also call for a new parking lot for employees and extra parking for the company’s boat transportation fleet, the company said.  

“Expansions are always exciting, but today’s announcement by Sportsman Boats Manufacturing Inc. is particularly special because they began their manufacturing operation in South Carolina as a start-up company," Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement. "Their growth is further testament that South Carolina has the business-friendly environment and talented workforce where companies find success.” 

The company’s facility is located at 113 Sportsman Way.