During the next five years, the boat manufacturer will create an estimated 280 jobs in Ashland City, TN.
Caymas Boats LLC will invest $30.3 million to establish a new plant in Ashland City, TN. The boat manufacturing company expects to create approximately 280 jobs during the next five years. A new company founded by Nashville-based marine executive Earl Bentz, Caymas Boats will manufacture a new line of premium fiberglass saltwater and freshwater fishing boats in Ashland City beginning in 2019.
“All of us at Caymas Boats are thrilled to bring fiberglass boatbuilding back home to Ashland City,” said Bentz. “I’m especially proud that many area craftsmen who formerly built Stratos, Javelin and Triton boats have already signed onto the Caymas workforce. These loyal and highly skilled men and women already have decades of boatbuilding expertise, assuring that Caymas boats will lead the marine industry in quality and innovation.”
Caymas Boats plans to renovate and upgrade two existing buildings on Highway 12 in Ashland City. The company anticipates that boat production will begin in February 2019. Caymas Boats’ models will be versatile for fishing and other recreational activities.
The new Caymas Boats plant will initially manufacture saltwater bay boats up to 27 feet in length, and fiberglass bass boats up to 21 feet long. The company will add additional models in the future.
“In Tennessee, we take pride in the fact that we have a skilled workforce that still makes things,” said Gov. Bill Haslam. “I’d like to thank Earl Bentz for his decision to establish a new boat manufacturing business in Ashland City. The creation of more than 280 quality job opportunities for Tennesseans will provide a tremendous boost for Cheatham County’s residents and the local economy.”
“By investing private capital and creating jobs, successful entrepreneurs like Earl Bentz are one reason for Tennessee’s strong economy,” said Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe. “Caymas Boats’ $30.3 million investment underscores all the advantages Tennessee offers businesses – most importantly, our skilled workforce. We look forward to a long-lasting partnership with Caymas Boats in Middle Tennessee.”