Marine Builders Doubles Workforce and Plans $1.9 Million Capital Expansion

UTICA, Ind. - (November 21, 2007) – One Southern Indiana officials are pleased to announce Marine Builders Inc.’s plans to more than double its workforce by creating 93 new jobs there by 2010.  Located in Clark County, Indiana, Marine Builders is a full-service shipyard and manufacturing facility of custom workboats, passenger vessels, voyager yachts, barges, and tugboats.  The company will also invest more than $1.9 million to build and equip a new 10,000 square foot addition to its 30-year-old shipyard on the Ohio River.    

“The area’s rich maritime history continues to flourish with Marine Builders’ expansion in Southern Indiana,” said Michael Dalby, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana.  “Continued growth of this industry on the banks of the Ohio is crucial - and we look forward to supporting Marine Builders’ future growth in any way possible.”   

Marine Builders currently employs a team of 42 marine engineers, welders and fabricators with more than 100 years of combined experience in the marine building industry.  The company will begin hiring welders, pipe fitters, marine electricians and laborers in early 2008. Since its creation in July 2006, One Southern Indiana’s economic development efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 3,000 net new jobs in Clark and Floyd Counties. 

Marine Builders Inc. represents the organization’s 21st successful project location.  Combined, these 21 locations will contribute more than $111 million in initial new capital and $100 million in payroll annually to Southern Indiana. “We are excited about partnering with One Southern Indiana and the State of Indiana in our expansion,” said David A. Evanczyk, president of Marine Builders, Inc.  

“The Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s assistance allows us to remain competitive and produce high-quality products while securing the futures of Marine Builders and our employees’ jobs.  This is a great time for our company as we lay the foundation for future growth and expansion in Southern Indiana.” 

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Marine builders up to $390,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $95,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans.  Through the coordination of One Southern Indiana, the Town of Utica will provide the company with the benefit of phasing-in its property taxes while simultaneously increasing the tax base.

LEFT:  Lt. Governor Becky Skillman spoke during the press conference announcing the expansion.  Michael Dalby, President & CEO of One Southern Indiana and David Evanczyk, President of Marine Builders, Inc. look on, along with business leaders and employees of Marine Builders.