Sailfish Boats to expand, add 70 jobs in Grady County

CAIRO — Gov. Brian P. Kemp announced Tuesday that Sailfish Boats will invest more than $1 million and increase their workforce by more than 30% as it expand its manufacturing headquarters in Grady County. This investment at Sailfish Boats and in Grady County will create 70 jobs in southwest Georgia and results from a sharp increase in customer demand for fishing and recreational boats.

“Boating and water sports are big business in Georgia, creating opportunities in two of our critical industries — manufacturing and tourism,” said Governor Kemp. “It’s a pleasure to see a Georgia-based manufacturer like Sailfish Boats continue to grow and create solid jobs for the hardworking Georgians of Grady County and throughout southwest Georgia.”

Established in 1986, Sailfish Boats produces dual and center console boats built for offshore and inshore fishing. The company is headquartered in Cairo, Georgia, and currently employs more than 130 Georgians. 

Once this expansion is complete, the company will employ close to 200 people in southwest Georgia.

“For 35 years, we have called Cairo, Georgia, and Grady County home. Our growth now and throughout our history has been as a result of the hundreds of skilled, hardworking, and dedicated employees that call this area home,” said Sailfish Boats president and CEO Rob Parmentier. “Our current and forecasted growth is the result of upcoming new product introductions and development, a 35% increase of our distribution network, and sheer market demand for offshore/inshore fishing boats.”

The company will be hiring for careers in engineering as well as production areas of lamination and assembly. Individuals interested in opportunities with Sailfish Boats are encouraged to visit sailfishboats.com/sailfish-careers/ for additional information.

“Sailfish Boats is an amazing company in Grady County. Their new CEO, Rob Parmentier, and his team have the experience and vision to take the company to the next level,” said Executive Director of the Grady County Joint Development Authority Julian Brown. “It is great to know that some of the best boats in the world are made right here in Cairo, Georgia.”

Senior Project Manager Tina Herring represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce division on this project in partnership with the Grady County Joint Development Authority and the Technical College System of Georgia.

“Over the last year, Georgians have reintroduced themselves to the diverse selection of outdoor activities available here as they explored our beautiful state. It is always gratifying when our existing industries continue to succeed and expand, but even more so when that growth is based on industry trends that will help us continue to revitalize our economy,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “I extend my thanks to Governor Kemp for his unwavering support of our advanced manufacturing industries and to our partners in Grady County for continuing to foster a strong relationship with the Sailfish Boats team.”

Local News

Pope’s Museum joins HAHS network

Local News

ICE places hold on Cairo man who fled hit and run

Local News

UDC celebrates Georgia Day, February 12

Local News

Rotary Club of Thomasville hosts special Valentine’s Day party at Scott Senior Center

Local News

11th Annual Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Festival draws over 150 riders

Local News

Valentine’s Day crash kills two

Local News

Grady County splash pad expected to open this summer

Local News

Small non-profit works with city for big award

Local News

City of Thomasville awarded $19.8 million community change grant

Local News

T-Mobile opens new store in Thomasville

Local News

City of Thomasville sets First Friday Concert Series lineup for 2025

Local News

Archbold welcomes new Physician Mutti

Local News

CrossFit Townie and Vashti to host South Georgia Ruck: A 5K event

Local News

Chaplain Sidney Leak speaks to the UDC about General Stonewall Jackson

Education

Georgia Tech Fall 2024 graduates announced

Local News

Incident Reports & Arrests 02-17

Local News

Reps. Taylor and Cannon enter busy week, prepare for Crossover Day

Education

TCCHS FBLA celebrates 14th region winning streak

Local News

Commissioners authorize March 18 FLOST Referendum

Local News

New Orleans Jazz Quartet takes TEF stage on Tuesday

Local News

SRTC appoints new board members Andrea Collins and Jenny Dell

Local News

Archbold Radiology wins back-to-back awards

Local News

City of Thomasville to offer free stormwater design sessions

Education

TU students look to serve community during Tax Season