May 9, 2022
Family-owned boat builder KingFisher Boats is expanding its manufacturing facility with two new purpose-built buildings. The facility expansion will grow the KingFisher Center of Excellence footprint 20,000 sq. ft. and support record market demand for their larger offshore vessels and a dedicated space for product development which will allow the company to continue to lead innovation in the industry.
“In order for us to continue to meet the needs of our North American dealer network, we identified an opportunity to enhance our manufacturing processes which will have a long-term positive impact on our dealers, our employees and our community.” said Brad Armstrong, KingFisher Boats President. “By increasing our footprint, we bolster our ability to deliver product to future owners while supporting our long-term objective of being the preferred aluminum boat builder in North America.”
KingFisher Boats is committed to community, as well as environmental stewardship. The expansion included an extensive environmental enhancement along the Swan Lake shoreline which includes the creation of turtle nesting pads and the planting of 85 native trees and 240 native shrubs. Employees will have an incredible view of Swan Lake from their atrium break room.
“We believe in investing in our employees capabilities to enhance their productivity. The desire to increase our efficiencies to meet record demand has led to multiple improvements,” stated Armstrong. “We offer competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package and focus on employee wellness and work-life balance.”
The two new buildings were specially designed with productivity and safety in mind; with state-of-the-art equipment including cranes and welding machines. KingFisher Boats is creating jobs in the Greater Vernon area, with new positions to be posted over the next year.
KingFisher Boats broke ground in October 2021, and the new facilities will become operational later in 2022.
About KingFisher Boats
KingFisher Boats is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of heavy-gauge all-welded aluminum boats. We build and distribute 29 models in 5 series: Offshore, Coastal, Sport, Multi-Species and River Jet for families, fisherman and adventurers alike. Our extensive dealer network spans from California to Alaska to Quebec. The KingFisher Center of Excellence is a fully integrated manufacturing facility with 162 employees who handcraft every KingFisher Boat, one at a time, with incredible skill and passion. KingFisher is a Canada’s Best Managed Company Gold Standard winner and is the founding company within Bryton Marine Group, which includes commercial and recreational builders: EagleCraft, All American Marine, Brix Marine, Duckworth, Weldcraft and Northwest Boats.
