BEECH BOTTOM — A manufacturer of electric pontoon boats getting ready to set up shop in Brooke County expects to have its first models come off the line by the end of the year.
Pure Watercraft announced its plans in August to locate a manufacturing operation within the Beech Bottom Industrial Park where it will build its electric outboard motors and electric pontoon boats. Monday morning, company President and CEO Andrew Rebele was joined by local, state and federal officials for a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
“We’re building the next generation of boats,” Rebele said.
The Pure Pontoon Boat is described on the company’s website as a “fully integrated electric pontoon boat powered by a single or dual Pure Outboards.” The motors are fueled by a GM automotive battery pack, providing a top speed of 23 miles per hour for the twin outboard boats, and 14 mph for the single motor, with the boats capable of seating up to 10 passengers.
The boats offer a much quieter propulsion system than traditional gas-powered boats, with low maintenance and no emissions, which Rebele said will offer a better experience for owners.
“We don’t ask people to pick a boat to save the world. We ask people to pick a boat for the experience,” he said.
Pricing for the boats will start at $75,000 for the single outboard model and $95,000 for the twin outboard model, with preorders available now through the company’s website www.purewatercraft.com.
A demonstration of one of the pontoon boats was held at Wellsburg’s 12th Street docks following the ribbon cutting, as well as for a public event held Monday evening.
Pure Watercraft will take up residency in an 80,000-square-foot section of the industrial park, with the goal of creating up to 100 jobs. Rebele noted the location was selected for the area’s history of high-skilled manufacturing, its proximity to Lordstown, Ohio, where GM builds its electric batteries, as well as access to a large portion of the pontoon market.
“I really look forward to seeing this place take life,” Rebele said.
Beech Bottom Mayor Becky Uhlly expressed her appreciation to Pure Watercraft, the Business Development Corp., the state Department of Economic Development, and more, for their willingness to take a chance on the village and help to bring it new life.
“It’s just wonderful,” she said, noting it shows the effectiveness of the work by local development agencies, state officials and national leaders in their efforts to provide redevelopment opportunities for the region. “It’s a new chapter in our history.”
Mitch Carmichael, secretary of the state Department of Economic Development, noted the company could have selected anywhere in the nation to set up its production, but they found something special in the Ohio Valley.
“This is the place to be and we’re so grateful to have you here to celebrate this,” he said.
The Beech Bottom Industrial Park previously was the site of Wheeling Corrugating, which once was the largest employer in Beech Bottom. It was shuttered following the bankruptcy of RG Steel in 2012. The BDC has been working for much of the last decade to remediate the property and prepare it for new use.
“This is a renewal of a vibrant and active workplace to be a vibrant and active workplace for the future,” U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said.
Capito was among the dignitaries on hand for Monday’s event, noting Pure Watercraft is one more indication of a transition in the nation’s energy sector, as well as an indication of the efforts to invest in the future of West Virginia and the creation of jobs.
“We’re excited to see not just that first product, but many more in the future,” she said.
State Sen. Ryan Weld, R-Brooke, said the company’s selection of West Virginia and the Ohio Valley is an example of the “renewables” available through the continuing economic development efforts.
“They’re going to give a rebirth to the state,” Weld said of the numerous sites which have been targeted in recent years. “I’m proud the Northern Panhandle has many of those sites.”
County Commissioner A.J. Thomas offered thanks to the BDC for its continuing efforts to address the development needs in Brooke and Hancock counties, noting the years-long process to remediate former industrial property to make it viable for the future.
More information on Pure Watercraft, including employment opportunities, can be found through its website.