INDUSTRY
NEWS
Brownell celebrates grand opening of manufacturing facility
Brownell Boat Stands & Equipment has announced the opening of its new manufacturing facility in Dartmouth, Massachusetts.
The new 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility is 10 percent larger than Brownell’ s original factory, which has been the company’ s home for more than four decades. Not far from the original factory, the new plant is designed for a more natural flow in the production process, allowing the company to expedite output, improve efficiencies, maintain high-quality standards and provide better value to its customers.
“ We’ ve spent the last 70 years cementing ourselves as the premier boat stand and equipment manufacturer, and we’ re excited to continue that commitment to excellence for the next 70 as we move into the future,” said Alex Kavanaugh, president of Brownell Boat Stands.“ Throughout our entire history as a company, we’ ve never had a recall and never had a failure, proving our loyalty to high-quality standards and our customers. Our new home will serve as a testament to that dedication to produce the best products offered in our industry.”
Bryton Marine Group appoints James Irwin as AlumaCraft president
Bryton Marine Group has named James Irwin president and COO of AlumaCraft Boats Inc. Irwin’ s passion for the marine industry has brought him back to Alumacraft, where he contributed in senior leadership positions for more than 20 years and as president for more than 10 years.
“ We are thrilled to welcome James Irwin to the Bryton family as president / COO of Alumacraft,” said Byron Bolton, CEO of Bryton Marine Group.“ James’ s extensive experience and dedication to the marine industry make him the ideal leader to guide Alumacraft into its next chapter.”
“ Returning to Alumacraft feels like coming home to a team of wonderful hardworking people who care deeply about what we build and who we build it for,” Irwin said.
James Irwin
“ Alumacraft is an icon in the fishing community. Since my first day with Alumacraft almost 30 years ago, almost everyone I meet has a fishing story and a tie to Alumacraft.
“ I have always been inspired and humbled by the passion of the Alumacraft boat owner, and it is an honor to help give them a great experience to build memories with their family and friends,” he continued.“ With Byron Bolton and the Bryton Marine Group, leaders who share the same values of integrity, respect and family that guided Alumacraft for many years, we are positioned to build on the Alumacraft legacy and provide the best boating experience to the boating community.”
Sea Pro Boats enters pontoon market
Sea Pro Boats, headquartered in Whitmire, South Carolina, has formed Liquid Assets, and the company will take over the manufacturing of Coach Pontoons and Xcursion Pontoons. Sea Pro Boats owners Jimmy Hancock and Preston Wrenn now own Liquid Assets.
The Xcursion brand, established in 2011, offers a range of pontoon models from 21 to 26 feet. The Coach Pontoon lineup was launched in 2015, offering boaters a choice of six floorplans ranging from 21 to 26 feet. Both brands are based in Chanute, Kansas.
“ With these brands added to our portfolio, we’ ll be able to deliver Sea Pro quality to a broad new audience of boaters nationwide while at the same time expanding our market reach and dealer network," said Hancock.
Sea Pro Boats plans to integrate its expertise in fiberglass molding and in-house component manufacturing to elevate the design, features and functionality of the pontoon brands.
6 may 2025 www. boatingindustry. com