Pure Watercraft, zero emission pontoon boat manufacturer, has ceased its operations in Brooke County, US, a year after officially opening the facility.
It is understood that the company fell short with its private capital investment and state aid dried up with the state not able to continue to provide support.
Pure Watercarft is said to have had orders for more than 900 of its vessels and a partnership with General Motors in relation to battery packs for the electric powered craft.
The company originally expected to invest at least $5 million in the plant and create more than 100 full-time jobs by the end of 2025, according to the West Virginia Governor’s Office.
The company was expected to hit certain markers in order to continue to receive state financial incentives including the number of workers employed.
According to a report in MetroNews’ ‘Talkline’ Pure Watercraft failed to reach its private capital investment goal.
Long-term strategy
“They had some investors who were committed to a long-term strategy with the company and continue to invest until they got their production up and going, and then it took a side turn,” said Mitch Carmichael, secretary of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development.
Pure Watercraft was founded in 2011 with the aim of making boating more enjoyable, accessible, and environmentally friendly than ever before.
The electric powered craft promised to provide peace and quiet on the water even when whipping around at high speed.
“There have always been electric boats but there has never been something as high-performance that will out-compete gas powered motors,” said Andy Rebele, Pure Watercraft CEO.
“What we’re about is making boating better and with no impact on the environment.”
In addition to the vessels, the company built its own propeller, motor, motor controller and other system components including a battery pack.
Around two dozen workers have been laid off.
