Fishing boat manufacturer Avid Boats has announced plans to renovate and expand its facility in Monroe County, with the $7.96 million investment expected to create 50 new jobs.
Avid Boats — which currently produces high-quality aluminum fishing boats — received significant damage at its headquarters located in Amory following an EF-4 tornado in March.
As a result, Avid is rebuilding and expanding from its original 85,000-square-foot facility to 100,000 square feet to accommodate current needs and future growth.
“We at Avid Boats are proud to announce our commitment to growth and innovation. Despite the challenges we faced with the tornado, we are not just rebuilding; we are expanding,” Phillip Faulkner, owner of Avid Boats, said. “This expansion is a testament to our dedication to producing high-quality aluminum fishing boats and our belief in Mississippi’s economic future. With this investment, we look forward to creating new jobs and contributing to the prosperity of Monroe County for years to come.”
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for construction, as well as through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive (MFLEX). Monroe County, with its active support, including the conveyance of the real property for the facility’s construction, will also play a key role in assisting with the project.
“One of the most important aspects of our mission at MDA is helping local communities prosper through new investments and job creation,” MDA Deputy Executive Director Laura Hipp explained. “The 50 new jobs being created by Avid Boats will certainly have positive effects throughout Monroe County for years to come, and we thank the company for choosing to rebuild here at home and create even more opportunities for the area’s workforce.”
Construction is slated to be completed by December 2024, with the 50 jobs expected to be filled over the next five years.
“It’s so great to see Avid Boats rebuilding and expanding in Monroe County. Mississippians’ resiliency is unparalleled, and this is another prime example of that,” Governor Tate Reeves stated. “Mississippi’s economy is growing stronger every day thanks to home-grown businesses like Avid, and the state was proud to partner with them on this important project.”
