By: Scott Wa
Monterey and Blackfin Boats have announced an expansion to their production facilities to meet a significant rise in consumer demand. An additional 55,000 square foot manufacturing facility will begin construction in early 2022 and will increase the production capacity of both brands. The Florida-based Monterey Boat Company was founded in 1985 and includes the Blackfin brand of specialty offshore fishing boats.
According to Charles Marshall, Co-Chairman of Monterey and Blackfin Boats in a company statement, “We feel the increase in manufacturing space and skilled staff will allow us to increase the production capacity we need in order to meet consumer demand for the next two years, while also providing us with the ability to continue to develop, design and introduce new models. This will also provide us with the ability to continue to satisfy our dealer/partners needs while continuing to grow and expand our market share.”
The expansion will increase the company's current footprint to a total of 485,000 square feet and will add 150 jobs to the local economy. The company currently has over 500 employees.
“Monterey and Blackfin Boats have seen substantial growth in the last 2 years and will see continued growth in the future with new stern drive and outboard models. In addition to our continued growth in North America, we expect accelerated growth in our international markets, especially in the countries of the EU" added Robert Pita, President of Monterey and Blackfin Boats. "The 25% tariff on U.S. Boats exported to the EU is scheduled to end in the near future, and will fuel an immediate surge in our EU boat sales. Monterey and Blackfin Boats have continued to grow and expand our worldwide dealer network as well, which also allows us to better meet our customer’s needs.”
Monterey and Blackfin represent one of the few boat manufacturers still owned and operated by their original founders. The company was started in 1985 by brothers Charles and Jeff Marshall, who continue to serve as co-chairmen for both brands. Monterey carries a strong reputation within the industry for their well-built runabouts and cruisers. As a brand, Blackfin has been in operation for over 50 years and builds specialty offshore fishing boats that balance fishing capability with high-end features and amenities.
Both Monterey and Blackfin won an NMMA Customer Satisfaction Award in 2020 in the "Fibreglass Outboard Boats" category for exemplary customer service and ownership satisfaction. Monterey has won an award in the customer service category for 13 consecutive years.
