Boat parts maker expanding plant

Boat parts maker expanding plant

Lowell-based Attwood makes parts such as trolling motors for the marine industry. Courtesy The Right Place

A maker of boat parts is planning to create 80 full-time manufacturing jobs by expanding its plant in the area.

Attwood is investing $2 million into the development of its manufacturing facility in Lowell, at 1016 N. Monroe St., according to The Right Place today.

Attwood President Jim Fox said the Lowell plant is “well-suited to accommodate our accelerated growth plans.”

Attwood chose Lowell over competing sites in Fon du Lac, Wisconsin, where its parent company, Mercury Marine, is headquartered, and St. Paul Park, Minnesota, where Attwood also has operations.

Incentives

To facilitate the expansion, Attwood was awarded a $492,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC. Additionally, MichiganWorks! provided talent services totaling $57,810, bringing the total state incentive package for Attwood up to $549,810.

The Right Place, an economic development nonprofit in Grand Rapids, said it worked with MEDC to ensure the expansion occurred in West Michigan.

The Right Place also provided support in the form of staff time and connected Attwood with workforce development resources through West Michigan Works! to assist with recruitment and training for the created jobs.

“With the resurgence of the boating industry, we are fortunate that Attwood has chosen Lowell as the place to expand its world-class marine business,” said Thad Rieder, senior business development manager, The Right Place.

Attwood

Founded in 1893, Attwood makes boat parts and accessories, supplying the marine industry with navigational lighting, trolling motors, pumps, blowers and more.

Attwood also has operations in Largo, Florida.