Even without an incentive package, a pontoon boat manufacturer will bring an assembly plant with 50 jobs to Chanute.
Chanute Regional Development Authority Director Matt Godinez told board members Thursday evening that Xcursion boats plans to locate its assembly plant in the city industrial park on Ross Lane. The company negotiated with the city to also purchase the former Spirit AeroSystems plant on Cherry Street, along with the former Legacy Trailer building on Ross Lane.
Instead, the company will locate on Ross Lane even without a city incentive package.
Godinez said the company will begin hiring in 30 to 45 days and has begun making cosmetic changes to the Ross Lane building. The location will handle shipping and receiving as well as assembly, and will employ 50 people.
The company planned to use the Cherry Street building to manufacture, but that will be done in Fredonia and Iowa.
Godinez said other communities reached out to Xcursion after negotiations on the Cherry Street building fell through. Xcursion is part of the Coach Marine group.
(Read more: The Chanute Tribune)