USA: Maine Governor Tours Front Street Shipyard

Governor Paul LePage, on August 10, traveled to Belfast to tour Front Street Shipyard, one of the city’s newest and most promising businesses. Front Street Shipyard is a premiere yacht yard that services boats as large as 160 feet. After opening only a year ago, Front Street Shipyard has grown to be one of the largest and most capable yacht yards in the Northeast and a large player in Belfast’s economy.

Front Street Shipyard has invested approximately $10 million into redevelopment efforts, resulting in a wave of revitalization for Belfast’s downtown.

“Front Street Shipyard has given Belfast’s economy large boost,” said Governor LePage. “My administration is making every effort to ensure that businesses like this one can grow and thrive, so that all Maine’s local economies can prosper.”

Governor LePage was received by the shipyard’s senior leadership upon arriving. He was given a tour of the newly expanded facility, and was introduced to the entire staff at a reception following the tour.

“It was great being able to host the Governor. We appreciate his commitment to making Maine business-friendly, and this event was a great experience for both of us,” said JB Turner, president of Front Street Shipyard. “I look forward to working with his administration in the future to help our business continue to grow and expand.”

Front Street Shipyard undertakes new yacht builds and refits from classic wooden boats to advanced composite constructions. Within its first year of operation, the shipyard has grown to employ 82 full-time, year-round personnel and is still growing. Front Street Shipyard recently completed a deal to purchase neighboring Belfast Boatyard, giving them the capability to expand their operations and service as well as store a wider array of boats. The shipyard currently has 72,555 square feet of space for yacht storage, 10,320 square feet of shop space, and an additional 6.5 acres of off-site storage.

“The ambition Front Street Shipyard has shown in growing and expanding their operations in just one year serves as a good example of what Maine businesses can aspire to,” said Governor LePage. “I was truly impressed seeing the shipyard’s young workforce and the quality craftsmanship they exemplified.”

[mappress]

Source: maine.gov, August 17, 2012