Master Boat Builders invests $7.8M in expansion of its shipbuilding operations
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The Mobile Chamber <\/a>reports that Coden, Ala.-based Master Boat Builders, Inc. has announced that it has invested $7.8 million to modernize and expand its shipbuilding operations in Mobile County.<\/p>\n The expansion includes the construction of a new fabrication building, a floating dry dock to support new harbor tug contracts, workforce training initiatives and infrastructure improvements.<\/p>\n The expansion project creates 85 new jobs, adding to Master Boat\u2019s skilled workforce of more than 300 workers and further contributes to Mobile County\u2019s strength in shipbuilding and maritime services, says the Mobile Chamber.<\/p>\n \u201cThis investment is about more than just expanding our ability to build more high-quality vessels. It underscores our commitment to increasing American shipbuilding capacity and we\u2019re doing it right here along America\u2019s Gulf Coast in Mobile County,\u201d said Garrett Rice,<\/a> president of Master Boat Builders. \u201cBy modernizing our facilities and growing our skilled workforce, we\u2019re positioning our team to deliver critical vessels that support U.S. commerce and industry, all while training the next generation of American shipbuilders.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMobile\u2019s maritime industry continues to thrive, and Master Boat\u2019s investment underscores our region\u2019s leadership in shipbuilding,\u201d said Bradley Byrne, Mobile Chamber president and CEO. \u201cBy creating new jobs, retaining existing ones and investing in workforce development, this project is a powerful example of how our business community is growing alongside our thriving port and maritime economy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaster Boat Builders is a 45-year-old, third generation, locally owned shipbuilder located in the Bayou. They have employed thousands of people over that span from local communities and currently employ over 300 people. If we can\u2019t incentivize and support the growth of a business like Master, we shouldn\u2019t be incentivizing anyone!\u201d said District 3 Mobile County Commissioner Randall Dueitt. \u201cThis expansion not only secures and creates jobs for local families, but it also reinforces the fact that Mobile County is a leaderin shipbuilding and maritime innovation and will be for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n This project also supports the region\u2019s ongoing workforce development and training initiatives, reflecting the growing demand for skilled talent within the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.<\/p>\n \u201cMaster Boat\u2019s expansion highlights the continued momentum of Alabama\u2019s maritime industry and reinforces Mobile County\u2019s position as a hub for shipbuilding and repair,\u201d said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. \u201cThis investment not only creates quality jobs but also strengthens the region\u2019s capacity to support a vital sector of our state\u2019s economy.\u201d<\/p>\n Work on the expansion began October of 2024 and is expected to be fully operational by October of this year.<\/p>\n The post Master Boat Builders invests $7.8M in expansion of its shipbuilding operations<\/a> appeared first on Marine Log<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n