Highfield Boats drives new jobs initiative in Michigan
Boat manufacturer Highfield Boats is expanding its boat assembly process in Wexford County, which features in an economic development project in Northwestern Michigan, announced by governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
Highfield’s expansion is expected to generate over $3.1 million in capital investment, creating 110 qualified new jobs with an average hourly wage of $24 plus benefits – $3.38 per hour higher than the regional media wage – with the support of a $990,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund.
Highfield Boats was founded in 2011 and is the leading manufacturer of aluminium rigid inflatable boats and tenders.
Sport 420 from Highfield Boats USA
The US market, specifically, has become one of the largest segments for Highfield, and represents the biggest growth potential. With dealers and distributors in 48 countries, Highfield is the largest aluminium RIB (rigid inflatable boats) producer in the USA. This new facility will be a hull and assembly production operation, when at full capacity, will employ 75 direct hourly employees including welders, fiberglass specialists, PNC operators, painters, engine installers and electricians, as well as 35 salaried positions.
“On behalf of the City of Cadillac, we welcome Highfield USA’s hull and assembly production expansion, and grateful for their continued commitment to operating in our city,” adds Marcus Peccia, Cadillac City manager. “Cadillac has been home to boat manufacturing for generations, and it is exciting to see this new company in our community expand and further plant roots. The collaboration between the state of Michigan, our industry and our city has been exceptional, and I am humbled to be part of this special alliance.”
The Highfield expansion project represents a big win for the region and state by attracting a successful company that will adapt a facility formerly used as a shipping/distribution centre, which has been closed for several years, into a state-of-the art rubber inflatable boat manufacturing facility. This new production facility will be integrated well into a region that has a history of boatbuilding.
“Our investment in Michigan marks the company’s first major investment to the US market and we chose Cadillac for its rich legacy in recreational boat building and the unwavering support of both the local and statewide communities,” says Christophe Lavigne, president Highfield USA. “The confidence demonstrated by Marcus Peccia and the Cadillac team played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this investment. On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all parties involved for their unwavering support of our project.”
Another project announced involves the expansion of Cambium Analytica natural food testing capabilities in Grand Traverse County. Together, the expansion by Highfield and Cambium represents $4.35 million in capital investment and the creation of 144 new jobs in the region.
“Today’s announcement is in part what Making it in Michigan is all about: creating jobs and providing Michiganders the opportunity to live, work, and play in the state we all love,” says Whitmer. “I remain committed to working with anyone who shares the same passions as I do – making Michigan better, and I congratulate both Highfield Boats and Cambium Analytica for their commitment to the region.”
“Team Michigan is excited to announce both Highfield Boats and Cambium Analytica’s expansion projects in Cadillac and Traverse City,” says MEDC senior vice president of regional development, Matt McCauley. “We applaud these organisations for recognising that Michigan truly is the ideal place for businesses to growth, find world-class talent and leverage two of the state’s key industries, manufacturing and research and development in two equally important sectors, marine and agriculture.”
In addition to MSF support, the city of Cadillac has offered staff time and resources in support of the project as it uses a “hands-on” approach to working with all industries.
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