CADILLAC — Ken Clinton took over as CEO of Rec Boat Holdings this spring.
He said the company’s parent, Groupe Beneteau, is pouring millions of dollars into Cadillac to expand production and create new designs.
After spending more than three decades leading another major boat company, Clinton is happy to embed himself in the Cadillac community.
He said his top priority is raising awareness about the quality of boats being built right here in Cadillac.
“ I think the biggest thing right now is making people more aware of the amazing product that we build here,” said Clinton.
The parent company, based in France, has committed significant resources to growing the facility.
“They believe in being able to move it forward. So being able to create, I would say probably on average, ten different models per brand in the next few years, which is astronomical,” said Clinton.
It’s a huge capital investment on their part, but that’s the innovation that’s going to come here.
The planned expansion is expected to bring more skilled trade jobs to the community.
“As the volume goes up and we can see better profitability, it allows us to do more and more within the city of Cadillac” said Clinton. “I’m excited about that.”
Recently claims have circulated across social media saying the facility is going to shut down.
Clinton said the rumor mill is wrong on this one.
“Clearly, with them hiring me and moving me all the way from Tampa up here to Cadillac and the millions of dollars that they’ve invested in the facility and in new product innovation, they aren’t going anywhere”.
The company says it plans to bring as many as ten new models per brand to market over the next few years.