Boat Maker Planning Expansion in Bristol
Barletta currently operates a 110
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA pontoon boat manufacturer is growing in Elkhart County. The Indiana Economic Development Corp. says Barletta Boat Co. plans to invest $7 million to build a state-of-the-art production facility on its Bristol campus and create up to 250 jobs over the next few years.
The company says the nearly 145,000-square-foot facility will allow it to ramp up production to meet increased demand throughout North America and double its Indiana workforce. It will also provide new office space and additional storage capacity.
“Elkhart County is the RV and pontoon boating capital of the world,” said Bill Fenech, president and co-founder of Barletta. “Obviously, it made sense to continue growing our business in the heart of the recreational industry. This area is home to some of the hardest working, talented, and proudest boat builders in the country.”
The company plans to begin hiring for production jobs over the next several months.
Barletta says it expects to break ground on the project next month and have the facility fully operational by January. The project would be the first phase of a multi-tiered expansion.
THe IEDC has offered Barletta up to $2.2 million in conditional tax credits and $50,000 in training grants, which the company will not be eligible to claim until Hoosier workers are hired for the new jobs. Elkhart County will also consider additional incentives.