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Quality From The Start
With the help of: North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP)
About
Grady-White Boats got its start in 1959 in the Old Star Tobacco Warehouse No. 2 on Albemarle Avenue in Greenville, North Carolina. The fledgling business offered two boat models—a 16-foot and 17-foot runabout. They shipped their first four boats in February 1960 with 38 employees.
“The lap-strake mahogany boats developed a reputation for quality and seaworthiness. They were beautiful. They were functional. But, in spite of the boats’ appeal and acceptance, the company was in financial trouble within a decade,” explained Shelley Tubaugh, Vice President Marketing at Grady-White Boats. Then, by happenstance, Eddie Smith learned about Grady-White’s plight. “He acquired Grady-White and took the helm, making the decision to steer the company into a world-class manufacturing operation."
The Challenge
EDPNC’s assistance has continued long after our expansion. Tim continues to serve as a liaison in areas such as providing information about other resources the state has to offer. We are truly grateful for EDPNC’s support. We have learned so much from their vast experience and knowledge as they guided us through this process.
MEP's Role
That’s when Grady-White turned to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), a partner of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) for personalized assistance to address their expansion needs and coordination of resources.
Tim Ivey, Director of Regional Operations, Northeast Zone for EDPNC, got to work right away. He was able to find assistance for the project from several North Carolina agencies including the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Grant program, matching funds from the Pitt County Development Commission (PCDC) as well as funds for educational credits for training at Pitt Community College. With $500,000 in grant money secured via EDPNC, Grady-White was able to undertake a 70,000-square-foot expansion and add 65 jobs.