Boat builder to expand in Edgecombe

HC Composites, which makes catamaran fishing boats under the World Cat brand, will invest $2.65 million in its Tarboro expansion, officials said. The company is based in Tarboro and employs 60.

The new jobs will pay an average of $29,560 a year, plus benefits.

The company is purchasing Glacier Bay Catamarans of Seattle, which makes twin-hull cruising boats, and the operations will be consolidated into the Edgecombe County plant, officials said.

“The union of these two brands will provide incredible synergy and ability to serve our combined customers better. We are extremely fortunate to have this opportunity,” Chris Brockway, president of Glacier Bay and a partner in the two firms’ parent company, said in a statement. “World Cat will stay a fishing boat that can cruise, while Glacier Bay will continue being a cruising boat that can fish.”

HC Composites will receive a $130,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund if employment and investment targets are met.