Fair / 66° F
Go-Float starts production in FF [UPDATED]
Published 11:05am Friday, December 7, 2012 Updated 11:05am Friday, December 7, 2012After months of anticipation, new Fergus Falls manufacturer Go-Float began rolling boats off the production line Monday.
“We’re not in full gear yet, but we’re beginning to build boats, and we’re excited about that,” said Go-Float General Manager Steve Hendrickson.
The new 18,000-square-foot plant, located in the old ShoreMaster Fabric building, is capable of producing more than 100 electric boats per month, and the production boost has come just in time to begin serving Go-Float’s expanding dealer network.
“We just returned from the (Marine Dealer Conference and Expo) show in Orlando where we signed many new dealers,” stated Hendrickson in a news release. “It’s great to see dealers embracing electric boating, and we are thrilled to be able to meet the growing demand. Our new plant positions Go-Float as a reliable partner for dealers and the company as a market leader.”
Several key Go-Float employees have moved to town to assist with the training of new staff members. The plant is starting off with a small workforce, but Hendrickson expects to employ about 50 in Fergus Falls within five years as work from the headquarters facility in Hopkins moves to Fergus Falls.
“Whether you’re moving a family or business, moving is something you never enjoy,” Hendrickson said. “It’s just a necessary evil. My employees are going through both, moving a family and business. I tip my hat to those guys. They’re handling a lot of disruption, and they’re coping well. I look forward to having the move wrapped up and getting back into a routine.”
Go-Float currently produces four models of electric boats ranging in price from $1,895 to $4,995. All boats are now being produced and shipped from the Fergus Falls facility.
According to Hendrickson, Fergus Falls was a natural choice for the company because of its location. It is less expensive to operate a manufacturing business outside of the metro area, and Fergus Falls has immediate access to I-94, putting it on a major trucking lane. It is also advantageous for Go-Float to have a presence in the middle of the lakes area.
Advantages to Go-Float’s electric boats include a quieter ride and smaller impact on the environment. These boats require less maintenance, do not need gas and the winterizing process is far less extensive.
For more information on Go-Float products, visit www.go-float.com
