KingFisher Boats expands manufacturing plant

Canada-based boat builder KingFisher Boats is expanding its manufacturing facility with two new purpose-built buildings.

The expansion of the Okanagan facility in British Columbia will expand the KingFisher Centre of Excellence footprint to 20,000 sq. ft. and aims to support KingFisher Boats‘ record market demand for its larger offshore vessels and a dedicated space for product development.

The firm builds welded aluminium boats that are distributed across North America.

“In order for us to continue to meet the needs of our North American dealer network, we identified an opportunity to enhance our manufacturing processes which will have a long-term positive impact on our dealers, our employees and our community,” says Brad Armstrong, president of KingFisher Boats. “By increasing our footprint, we bolster our ability to deliver product to future owners while supporting our long-term objective of being the preferred aluminium boat builder in North America.”

According to the company, the expansion includes an extensive environmental enhancement along the Swan Lake shoreline, with the creation of turtle nesting pads and the planting of 85 native trees and 240 native shrubs.

“We believe in investing in our employees capabilities to enhance their productivity. The desire to increase our efficiencies to meet record demand has led to multiple improvements,” adds Armstrong. “We offer competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package and focus on employee wellness and work-life balance.”

KingFisher Boats says it is creating jobs in the Greater Vernon area, with new positions to be posted over the next year.

In 2018, the company previously expanded its production space, and invested in new equipment to produce larger boats.

KingFisher Boats broke ground in October 2021, and the new facilities will become operational later this year.