Fort Pierce - Monday August 22, 2022: – Contender Boats has taken over the old Packers of Indian River facility off Midway Road in Fort Pierce and production of has now begun.
Contender began building semi-custom boats this month at the 100,000-square-foot facility that was formerly a hub for area citrus fruit packing.
At full operation, approximately 200 employees will be crafting all Contender’s 32-foot and smaller boats in St. Lucie County. Contender will continue to construct larger boats at the company’s headquarters in Homestead, Florida.
Contender was founded in 1984. They build sportfishing boat models from 24 to 44 feet. The Fort Pierce facility is the company’s sole expansion outside of Homestead.
“Fort Pierce has a longstanding reputation in the boatbuilding industry," said Joe Neber, Contender’s founder, owner and president. "We are looking forward to leveraging local talent as we grow our team.”
“With the Fort Pierce inlet offering safe and speedy ocean access, multiple high-quality boatbuilders, the largest mobile boat hoist in the U.S. and an experienced workforce, our county’s blue economy is flourishing," said St. Lucie County Commission Chairman Sean Mitchell.
About Contender Boats
Founded in 1984 and based in Homestead, Florida, Contender Boats is a recognized leader in building semi-custom sportfishing boats.
To learn more about Contender Boats or to find a dealer, visit www.contenderboats.com, Facebook @contender boats inc. and Instagram @contenderboatsofficial.