Yacht builder moves into former Hatteras plant

Winter Custom Yachts has moved into the former Hatteras facility in Swansboro, N.C. JDNews.com reported that the company will launch its first yacht made in the facility in 2019.

Tim Winter launched the custom yacht builder in 2006 in Apex, North Carolina. It currently builds center console, walkaround, express and convertible models from 24 to 64 feet.

Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Inc., said that facility now has 28 employees. Five relocated with Winter when he moved production to Swansboro.

“As the company grows, they’ll certainly offer more jobs,” said Sheila Knight, executive director of JOED in a statement. Knight said the operation is expected to grow to about 50 employees within several years. Most of those jobs, according to Knight, will offer higher wages than the average wages in Onslow.

“It certainly is good that the building is now occupied by boat manufacturers,” Knight said. “If it’s a vacant facility, it’s not producing any jobs.”