Sea Pro to open new South Carolina facility

Sea Pro Boats announced plans to expand its operations in Fairfield County, S.C.

The $3 million-plus investment in a new facility in Winnsboro is expected to create 135 jobs, according to a statement from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.

The facility in Winnsboro is undergoing a conversion into a boatbuilding plant. It is about 40 miles from Sea Pro’s primary location in Whitmire, S.C. The Winnsboro plant will be for boats larger than 24 feet. The expansion is expected to be completed by June.

“As South Carolina Central Midlands natives ourselves, Jimmy Hancock and I are proud to be blessed with a growing business where we can provide jobs and opportunities to our friends and neighbors,” said Preston Wrenn, Sea Pro co-owner, in a statement. “Winnsboro felt like the right move for us to hopefully provide a little light to a community with the pride in which we build our boats.”

“We are thrilled with the decision of Sea Pro Boats to expand in Fairfield County,” said Fairfield County council chairman Neil Robinson in the statement. “Winnsboro is ready to support Sea Pro Boats with utilities while the population welcomes the job opportunities. Sea Pro Boats will be well supported by local businesses.”

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. A $1.25 million Rural Infrastructure Fund grant was also awarded to Fairfield County to assist with costs related to the project.