The Economy

Boat Maker Breaks Ground on New Plant in Florida

April 16, 2010

County worked with company to expedite permitting process.

Bonadeo Boatworks, a Stuart, Fla.-based manufacturer of custom sportfish boats, recently broke ground on a new facility on Commerce Avenue in Stuart.

The family business builds boats by hand, starting with conceptual ideas from the prospective owner through finalization with the naval engineer/designer. With the expansion, Bonadeo Boatworks plans to grow into insurance marine repairs.

The 11,700-square-foot facility will allow the company to grow to 15 employees during the next three years, according to the Business Development Board of Marine County.

This expansion marks the long-term investment I want this company to make in Martin County, said Larry Bonadeo, president of Bonadeo Boatworks. The attractive price of the land, plus the countys willingness to work with us, made it attractive for us to stay and grow here.

Growth management staff in Martin County worked with the company to complete the permitting process in an expedited mannera key benefit to expanding and new targeted businesses adopted as part of the countys economic stimulus package in 2008. Expedited permitting is offered to companies with significant economic development projects that create good jobs, pay high wages and strengthen and diversify the economy.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.