Boston Whaler Opens New Facility

A grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony were held at the new Boston Whaler Commercial and Government Products manufacturing facility in Edgewater, Fla. The newly constructed facility encompasses 46,000 square feet under roof, on 6.3 square acres of land. The state-of-the-art facility is used to build unsinkable fiberglass boats specifically for commercial applications, including law enforcement, fire/rescue and military/combat craft and homeland security. Boston Whaler Commercial and Government Products builds boats used by virtually every branch of the United States armed forces and by law enforcement and rescue organizations around the world. Opening remarks were made by Steve Dennis, executive director of the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce. Eric Caplan, director and business manager for the Boston Whaler Commercial and Government Products, followed with comments about the search for a suitable location. “In the fall of 2001, this division was established as an independent operating unit from Boston Whaler, which specifically serves the needs of recreational boaters,” said Caplan. “For many years the two divisions shared a common manufacturing facility, while addressing vastly different customers. This physical separation of the businesses allows both operations to focus their efforts on their targeted markets.” Boston Whaler is also located in Edgewater. During his speech Caplan said, “After exploring many options throughout Florida and the nation, it was decided that the Boston Whaler Commercial and Government Products would stay in Volusia County, where we can continue to contribute to the economic development of the area.” Caplan recognized several individuals for their contributions to the development of the facility, including George Buckley, chairman and chief executive officer of Brunswick Corporation, Boston Whaler Commercial and Government Products’ parent company; Dusty McCoy, president of the Brunswick Boat Group; and Fred Kiekhaefer, president of Brunswick’s Commercial and Government Products. Local dignitaries in attendance included Mike Myers, President of Boston Whaler; Donald Schmidt, mayor of the City of Edgewater; and Edgewater Police Chief Michael Ignasiak. During the program Ignasiak received the keys to a newly purchased law enforcement vessel built at the Boston Whaler Commercial and Government Products facility. After the presentations, the new Boston Whaler Commercial and Government Products manufacturing facility was officially launched by cutting the ribbon.