Hi-Tide Sales Inc. Opening Facility in Beaufort County

Investing $1 million and creating 68 jobs

July 13, 2007

BEAUFORT COUNTY NC NEWS -- Hi-Tide Sales Inc., the industry's leader in boat lift manufacturing, is opening a facility in Beaufort County, North Carolina. Hi-Tide Sales will be investing $1 million and creating 68 jobs during the next three years in Washington. Founded in 1979, Hi-Tide Sales rapid growth has created the need for the company expansion. Currently, the company manufactures their patented boat lifts out of their headquarters in Fort Pierce, Florida, but is looking forward to expanding the manufacturing operation to the Beaufort County facility. Wages for the new jobs created will vary by skill and responsibilities, however the average pay for all new jobs will be $806 a week, plus benefits. Therefore, Hi-Tide will pay more than the Beaufort County average wage of $571 per week, not including benefits.

Hi-Tide's Company President, Chuck Gerber announcing the expansion said: "Hi-Tide has a very aggressive growth plan for the near and distant future. As such, our move into the Washington, N.C., facility is a key component to achieving our goals. We are looking forward to being an active part of the Washington economy and community."

Hi-Tide's boat lift designs are innovative with imaginative style, accommodating customers with lifts for any boat while meeting county permit restrictions. Hi-Tide's largest model lift supports a capacity of 180,000 pounds enabling Super Yacht lifting. Hi-Tide Sales is also the owner of an award winning patented Gear Drive® boat lift system.

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley proudly commented on the announcement by saying: "There are more than 1,140 boat-building and related firms employing about 30,000 people in North Carolina. The boating industry is a key part of our state's economy and we will continue to make the investments in workforce development and education that attract these growing companies."

State House Representative Arthur Williams thanked both the Governor and Commerce Secretary Jim Fain commitment to economic development by saying: "This decision by Hi-Tide to come to Beaufort County is another example of the kind of success that comes when state and local leaders work together. I want to thank Governor Easley and Commerce Secretary Jim Fain for their hard work on economic development. I am proud of the work the House of Representatives has done to help our area of the state attract new and expanding businesses."

Last week, another major member of the boating industry The Brunswick Corporation committed to begin manufacturing boats in Navassa, just outside of Wilmington, North Carolina. Brunswick promised to create 825 jobs and invest $51.2 million during the next five years. The company will build its Meridian yachts along with the Bayliner and Maxum cruisers at the Navassa facility.

Partners who helped bring Hi-Tide Sales Inc. to Washington included the N.C. Department of Commerce, Beaufort County, the Beaufort County Economic Development Commission and the Beaufort Committee of 100. For more information about Hi-Tide Sales and to view their boat lifting video, or even employment opportunities visit: www.hi-tide.com or email: t1ysmith@prodigy.net.

Published by:
Rob Cross
mailto:editor@357news.com

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