Chris-Craft Expands

A 70,000-square-foot Florida facility will increase production capacity by 50 percent.
Chris-Craft staff
The new Chris-Craft facility will add more than 200 jobs to Sarasota. Courtesy Chris-Craft

Chris-Craft is growing. The subsidiary of Winnebago Industries just opened a 70,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Florida. It goes by the nickname “Building 5,” and it increases the company’s production capacity by 50 percent.

The company plans to build six models from 24 feet to 28 feet length overall in the facility.

“I’m thrilled to see boats rolling off the new line,” Chris-Craft President Steve Heese stated in a press release. “The new building marks an important milestone in the growth of our company, and the enhanced production capacity this new building provides will help our dealer network meet demand for our products and, ultimately, ensure our customers enjoy incredible experiences on the water.”

Building 5 has been in the works since November 2021. Groundbreaking was in February 2022. Chris-Craft expects to add more than 200 jobs to the Sarasota community.

How long has Chris-Craft been building boats in Sarasota? Since 1988. The company partnered with Ryan Companies US Inc. to create the new facility.

Where to learn more: visit chriscraft.com