A Canadian electric, carbon-fibre boat manufacturer is set to expand operations to the US with the approval of $12,825,000 in funding to move its project forward.
The funding for Project Kilowatt was approved by Triumph Gulf Coast, which oversees the distribution of funds from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement,
The Canadian company, headquartered outside of Ottawa, supplies craft for defence industry and commercial market.
The company aims to occupy existing marine facilities in Bay County, Florida which has access to deep water for boat launching and testing, growing its presence in the US. Its existing manufacturing operation in Canada will be retained.
Advanced carbon fibre vessel lamination
The proposed project includes a marine EV boat manufacturing facility, innovation hub, research and development centre with a total estimated project cost of almost $37.6 million.
According to the funding application, the project will create 285 new jobs by 2030, with an average wage of $77,000 annually, more than 115% of the average wage of Bay County, and infuse more than $30 million into the community.
The project incorporates a test facility comprising of advanced carbon fibre vessel lamination, high and low voltage rigging and boat assembly and testing.
Innovation hub
When up and running, the test facility is set to be an innovation hub for UI software engineering, testing advanced lamination R & D labs, new model engineering, CAD design, prototyping and 3D printing of parts.
The company aims to occupy existing marine facilities in Bay County, Florida which has access to deep water for boat launching and testing.
The company plans to keep its manufacturing operation in Canada and grow its presence in the United States.
“Their game changing technology will put the northwest region of Florida on the international marine industry map,” states the funding proposal.
Investment in building upgrades
The awarded funds will be used to purchase the proposed the 11.55-acre property and four existing facilities.
The County will hold title to the property and will enter into a long-term lease with the company.
In turn, the company has promised to invest in building upgrades and new construction, manufacturing and R&D equipment.
Initial timescales for the project suggest the site could be purchased in 2026.
