A startup manufacturer of fishing boats on Tuesday announced plans to establish a factory operation in northeastern Mississippi.
Avid Boats expects to create 75 jobs at a facility in Amory, Mississippi — about two hours southeast of Memphis — formerly occupied by a packaging company. Avid plans to invest $1.6 million in the project, Mississippi economic development officials said in a statement.
“Although we are a startup, our team brings 100-plus years of combined marine industry experience to the table,” said Avid Boats President Phillip Faulkner. “We look forward to being a vital contributor to the continued growth of this area.”
The announcement noted that Avid executives were previously involved with two other boat manufacturers.
The Amory factory will make 17-foot to 23-foot aluminum bass and center console bay boats. The company expects to build 750 boats next year and double that production by 2022.
Avid will receive infrastructure and workforce training assistance from the state and could receive a rebate from a state jobs program if it meets hiring and wage targets. City and county officials also approved tax incentives for investment and job creation.
