Boatbuilder Tracker Marine Group has plans to move into two new plants - one in Miami, Oklahoma, and one in Forest City, North Carolina, a spokesperson for the company confirmed in a Wednesday, December 11 interview.
The company has signed a tentative agreement to purchase a former US Marine plant in Miami, Oklahoma, that was closed last year, according to the company.
In addition, the Associated Press has reported that Tracker plans to operate a manufacturing facility in a former Burlington Industries plant, empty since 1999, in Rutherford County.
Tracker was attracted to these cities by significant incentive packages, according to published reports.
Among the reasons for Tracker's decision to purchase the Oklahoma plant is the city's experienced workforce, the company stated.
If the purchase agreement goes through, it is expected to bring 250 jobs to the area by the end of 2003. Employees will be building Tracker's Tahoe line of runabouts and deck boats, according to the company.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that North Carolina's Rutherford County Board of Commissioners has agreed to a US$3-million incentive package to attract Tracker Marine.
Through the package, the county will purchase the 338,000-square-foot facility for about US$2 million and lease it back to Tracker Marine for about US$1 per year for 20 years, according to AP reports. It also will spend over US$1 million in repairs to the property to prepare for Tracker's move into the facility.
Mako Marine brand boats will be manufactured at the facility, which is expected to employ about 300 people, according to the Associated Press.