HOLLY RIDGE — The Town of Holly Ridge has been welcoming businesses large and small over the past year. High-performance 1952 chevy truck fishing onslow bay boats will soon be seen rolling out of a new facility in the town’s industrial park just off U.S 17.
After Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony at Onslow Bay Boats works’ new facility in Holly Ridge, Anita Dingler, Holly Ridge Mayor, stated that “We’re growing manufacturing and we’re expanding small business wise.”
On Camp Davis Industrial Park’s 8-acre site, the new facility of 50,000 square feet is being constructed. Onslow Bay Boats works will serve as the anchor tenant.
Brad Knight, President and CEO of Onslow bay Boats works, is a second-generation boatbuilder. He said that they started in 2005 with two employees making a 20-foot center-console vessel.
Knight stated that they have added a 33-foot boat to their fleet Livingston Boats and are planning for a 37 foot version. However, they have been waiting for the larger facility.
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- Camp Davis Industrial Park was the perfect fit for their needs.
- Knight stated, “This was our best decision and we’re excited to be here.”
Onslow Bay Boats currently makes about 25 boats per year and employs about 20 people. They will be able expand production and to hire more employees when the new facility opens.
Dingler stated that every new boat will have an Onslow Bay Boats works client who knows the Holly Ridge location.
Knight stated that the company was attracted to the location because of its military past. Camp Davis Army Base was once located on the grounds of this industrial park.
Knight stated that “Back in 1940s, this was part of an enormous military base with 20,000 troops. So it has a lot history.”
Knight thanked Tom and Bernie Rollins, as well as the Rollins families, for accommodating their needs.
Dingler stated that the industrial park was founded by the Rollins family during her remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony.
She expressed her deep gratitude to Bernie Rollins, Tom and Bernie Rollins, and their families for their vision, determination, and willingness to make Camp Davis Industrial Park a reality.
Dingler stated that the town looks forward to having other businesses join Onslow Bay Boats works in the park.
Susan Edwards, Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Chairwoman, said that they often see clusters of industries within an area, like boat manufacturing, but also support related businesses.
Businesses bring economic development benefits to the community, including increased employment and development of the workforce.
JOED, Camp Davis Industrial Park and the Town of Holly Ridge were partners in bringing Onslow bay Boats works to Onslow County.
Dingler stated that the town is looking fire truck siren forward to more tenants in the industrial park. He also said that works was the latest of a variety of businesses that have opened in the area in the past year.