Lansing Sun

Boat developer Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) will expand operations at its Manitou Pontoon Boats facility in Watertown Township, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

“Michigan’s business climate and highly-skilled manufacturing workforce provide an environment where businesses like BRP can thrive and create good-paying jobs for Michiganders in the Lansing area,” Whitmer said in a press release from her office. “In partnership with the MEDC, we will continue attracting millions in private investment and hundreds of jobs to every region of Michigan, as we stay focused on growing our economy. Together, we will keep getting things done.”

The Manitou Boats renovation was chosen over other facilities that BRP owns and will generate roughly $11.9 million in capital investments, along with 200 jobs, according to the release.

“When fast-growing, worldwide companies, like BRP, choose to expand in the Lansing region, it speaks volumes about our region's ability to compete internationally,” Bob Trezise, president and CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), said. “Our robust business support system, world-class engineering talent pipeline, and culturally rich communities are winning the day once again. Of course, projects like this are possible because of great partners.”

Manitou Boats aligned with Lansing Community College to craft a welding program that will cater to the company. Classes started last fall and are paid for by the company, which is known to promote from its own staff and offers many benefits, according to the governor’s office.  

“The strong, sustained demand we have seen for our products is a testament to their durability and quality. BRP has continued to grow its marine portfolio with strategic acquisitions of world-class brands like Manitou, Alumacraft, and Quintrex, and expanding their production capacity,” Karim Donnez, Marine Group BRP senior vice president, said. “As with all our products, we are committed to gaining market share in this sector and we rely on Michigan’s highly skilled and experienced workforce to continue helping us in achieving our goals.”

The governor’s office reported that Michigan is the third-largest marine market in the nation and ranks number two in boat registrations, with a $7.8 billion economic impact annually. This helps the state’s travel and tourism sector and provides for 40,000 jobs and 1,500 businesses, according to the Michigan Boating Industries Association.