GREENVILLE, North Carolina (August 6, 2020) - HC Composites, LLC, the parent company of World Cat, chooses to expand operations in Greenville and build a new boat manufacturing facility.
“North Carolina has been a strong partner for World Cat the past 20 years and is a big part of our success,” says Andrew Brown, president of World Cat. “World Cat is a people business: our boats are designed and built by exceptional people, sold by exceptional people, and serviced by exceptional people so our customers have a fantastic experience.”
The new facility, located in the former Camping World Distribution Center, will allow for the production of 36 to 50-foot custom catamarans. World Cat plans to make an $8.8 million investment and hire 60 full time employees in Greenville.
“Despite uncertain economic conditions globally, North Carolina continues to prove itself as the smart choice for growing companies,” said Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “Boatbuilding is one of our earliest industries, and today’s expansion by World Cat highlights our capacity to support the success of 21st century global businesses in every region of the state.”
World Cat, a brand of HC Composites LLC, has been headquartered in Tarboro since 2002. The company won the 2019 Governor’s Export Award as a Top Global Reach Exporter for its strong international dealer network. Its expansion is the result of strong consumer demand for 36-foot to 50-foot Custom World Cat’s, whose twin hull design provides a balanced, stable recreational boating experience. World Cat will maintain its 180-person workforce at its facility in Tarboro.
“We have a wonderful team in Tarboro and are excited to extend our culture and philosophy to our new facility in Greenville,” added Vann Knight, vice president of operations for World Cat.
The addition of 230,000 sq.-ft. of manufacturing space in Greenville will position the company for long-term growth in the fastest-growing segment of the recreational market.
“It was an honor to work with the great team at World Cat on their new production facility in Greenville," said Uconda Dunn, Greenville – ENC Alliance vice president of business development. "By assisting them in finding a suitable location in Greenville, we were able to retain a growing cluster to our area. We know that their presence in the area will further spur marine related manufacturing."
In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority, Greenville Utilities Commission, Pitt County, Greenville -ENC Alliance, and the City of Greenville.
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Media Relations Contact: Maria Satira
Director of Marketing and Communications
Greenville - Eastern North Carolina Alliance
satira@encalliance.com
252-414-2875
