The Onslow County Commissioners and the Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development office announced today that Armstrong Marine, Inc. is establishing a welded aluminum boat manufacturing operation in Onslow County. The company plans to create 200 jobs and invest more than $8.4 million at their new facility near Swansboro which was previously occupied by Hatteras Yachts.
The Onslow County Commissioners and the Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development office announced today that Armstrong Marine, Inc. is establishing a welded aluminum boat manufacturing operation in Onslow County. The company plans to create 200 jobs and invest more than $8.4 million at their new facility near Swansboro which was previously occupied by Hatteras Yachts.
Onslow County commissioners expressed enthusiasm. Chairman Paul Buchanan said, “It is great that Onslow County citizens will have the opportunity to compete for new jobs. I’m also glad to see that building being put to good use.”
Vice Chair Barbara Ikner commented, “This is an example of promoting Onslow County’s unique assets. A boat manufacturer is a perfect fit with our coastal communities. We are hopeful it will create opportunities for support businesses.”
“We welcome any business or company that wants to come here and do business in Onslow County,” said Commissioner Jack T. Bright. “We are so grateful that they have selected our county. We’ll do everything we can to make them part of the county and make their stay and their business more palatable to our citizens and help them negotiate any paperwork, inspections, and permitting processes. It is great that they will put people to work and more money into our economy. We really are elated with the opportunity to let them see what our county has to offer.”
While Commissioner W.C. Jarman expressed his pleasure with Armstrong Marine’s decision to set up shop in the county, along with Ikner he is hopeful the move is a sign of even better things to come. He said, “We hope that their location here will spur the location of additional businesses and industries.”
It is obvious that ‘location, location, location’ is a primary Onslow County selling point, however Commissioner Lionell Midgett emphasized the importance of an existing exceptional work force when luring business to the county and said, “We are recognized as having a quality, highly skilled workforce. We do have a continuing pool of transitioning Marines with valuable skills and traits. Plus their family members bring valuable skills and a strong work ethic to our community.”
Armstrong Marine is a leading manufacturer of purpose built welded aluminum boats, fire boats, dive boats, pilot boats, research vessels, interceptors, and riverine craft for both military and industrial markets. The company’s high quality aluminum vessels are designed for customers demanding both high performance and durability.
Josh Armstrong, President and CEO of Armstrong Marine, Inc. realized that their existing manufacturing facility in Port Angeles, Washington, was not adequate to meet the expanding demands of the market and incurred substantial shipping cost to clients on the eastern seaboard. “When we went in search of a strategic location for our second manufacturing facility, Onslow County and North Carolina welcomed us with open arms,” said Armstrong. “We decided to locate in the heart of the fleet concentration area and are excited to be able to better service U.S. markets, as well as export to foreign markets from our new plant near Swansboro.”
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $31,420 plus benefits. The Onslow County average annual wage is $26,908. For more information about Armstrong Marine Inc. job opportunities, go to: https://armstrongmarine.com/
“Armstrong Marine is a good fit for Onslow County. In addition to the local skilled workforce, they seek to hire transitioning military whenever possible, as the DOD is one of their major customers”, said Sheila Pierce, Executive Director of Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development.
For more information, please contact Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development at admin@onslowedc.com or 910-347-3141 ext 230.