Master Boat Builders announces $7.8 million shipyard investment

Master Boat Builders Inc., based in Coden, Alabama, has announced a significant investment of $7.8 million aimed at expanding and modernizing its shipbuilding operations. This initiative will introduce a new fabrication building and a floating drydock, enhancing the company’s capacity and efficiency. The expansion is set to create 85 new jobs, increasing the workforce to over 300 employees.

Investment Details and Workforce Growth

The expansion project, which commenced in October 2024, is expected to be fully operational by October 2025. According to Garrett Rice, president of Master Boat Builders, this investment is not solely about increasing production capabilities. It reflects a commitment to bolstering American shipbuilding capacity, particularly along the Gulf Coast in Mobile County. Rice emphasized the importance of modernizing facilities and expanding the skilled workforce to ensure the delivery of critical vessels that support U.S. commerce and industry.

In addition to the new fabrication building and floating drydock, the initiative includes workforce training programs and infrastructure improvements. These enhancements are designed to support new harbor tug contracts and foster long-term growth in the shipbuilding sector. The expansion aligns with ongoing regional workforce development efforts, addressing the increasing demand for skilled labor in Alabama’s maritime industry.

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Bradley Byrne, president and CEO of the Mobile Chamber, praised the investment, stating that it underscores the region’s leadership in shipbuilding. He noted that creating new jobs and investing in workforce development exemplifies how the local business community is thriving alongside the maritime economy. Master Boat Builders, founded in 1979, has a rich history of constructing over 450 vessels, including tugboats and offshore supply vessels.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

Local officials have expressed strong support for the expansion, highlighting its significance for the community. District 3 Mobile County Commissioner Randall Dueitt remarked on the importance of incentivizing and supporting the growth of established businesses like Master Boat Builders. He emphasized that the expansion not only secures existing jobs but also creates new opportunities for local families, reinforcing Mobile County’s status as a leader in shipbuilding and maritime innovation.

Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, echoed these sentiments, stating that the expansion reinforces Mobile County’s position as a hub for shipbuilding and repair. This investment not only generates quality jobs but also strengthens the region’s capacity to support a vital sector of Alabama’s economy. Earlier this year, Master Boat Builders received funding through the Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant program to enhance training equipment and technologies, further solidifying its commitment to workforce development.