Joe Neber, president and owner of Contender Boats, announced that the Florida-based builder purchased a second manufacturing facility, in Fort Pierce.
“The goal for the new plant is to move entirely to infusion, a modern lamination technique, and a cleaner manufacturing process,” Neber said in a statement.
The 100,000-square-foot facility allows Contender to double its output. Production of boats 32 feet and smaller will transfer to Fort Pierce, while larger boats will be built at Contender’s Homestead plant.
Former plant manager Steve Cunningham will return to head the Fort Pierce operation. He joins the manufacturing team headed by Kenny Pontari, formerly with Viking Yacht Co. Contender is also bringing aboard David Pliske as quality assurance manager and Will Serrano as customer service representative.
Other recent hires include:
• Chris Becker, naval architect and director of engineering
• Amanda Sabin, marketing
• Rob Sabin, Southeast sales
• Jordan DeLong, pro staff and event manager, marketing and sales
• Jessica Occasio, sales coordinator
Contender expects Fort Pierce to be fully operational by the fourth quarter and said it will hire up to 250 new team members for the facility.
