Brooklin Boat Yard Secures $1.5 Million Investment for Technological Advancement and Expansion

Brooklin Boat Yard, a prominent boatyard in Maine renowned for its expertise in wooden boatbuilding, is set to undergo a significant expansion fueled by a $1.5 million state investment. This funding will enable the yard to construct a new facility, enhance its technological capabilities, and create approximately 10 new jobs, further solidifying its position as a leader in innovative boat construction and servicing.

Key Takeaways

• A $1.5 million state investment will support the expansion of Brooklin Boat Yard.
• The investment will fund a new 7,520-square-foot facility.
• The expansion aims to enhance the yard’s capabilities in integrating wood and composite materials, including 3D printing.
• Approximately 10 new jobs are expected to be created.
• The project is supported by the Maine Technology Institute’s Maine Technology Asset Fund.

Embracing Advanced Technology

Brooklin Boat Yard, a significant employer in Hancock County, has evolved from its traditional wooden boatbuilding roots into a 65-person operation specializing in custom high-end vessels and servicing a substantial number of other boats. The recent $1.5 million investment from the Maine Technology Institute’s Maine Technology Asset Fund is earmarked for a new, modern facility. This expansion will provide increased space for the development and implementation of advanced technologies, particularly in the integration of wood and composite materials, an area where the yard claims to be a global leader.

New Facility and Enhanced Capabilities

The new 7,520-square-foot building will replace an outdated 1960s-era structure at the Brooklin headquarters. It is designed to accommodate more building, restoration, and service projects. The facility will also feature a dedicated machine workshop and a 3D printing workshop, specifically designed to support composite projects. This investment is expected to bolster the boatyard’s capacity and efficiency, with the new facility slated to open next year. The expansion is seen as crucial for maintaining flexibility and continuing the high-quality building projects the yard is known for.

A Hybrid Approach to Boatbuilding

What sets Brooklin Boat Yard apart is its unique hybrid approach, seamlessly blending traditional wooden construction with modern composite materials and advanced technologies like 3D printing. Chief designer Will Sturdy emphasizes that this integration of wood and carbon fiber composites is a distinctive capability, with few, if any, other yards operating at the same level. This innovative methodology allows the boatyard to push the boundaries of design and construction, meeting complex customer demands and driving research and development in the field. The yard’s president, Brian Larkin, noted that the business moves between $12 million and $14 million annually through the town of Brooklin.

Future Outlook and Industry Collaboration

While the expansion addresses technological advancements and capacity, challenges such as a retiring skilled workforce and housing shortages persist in the Maine boatbuilding industry. However, Brooklin Boat Yard aims to leverage its new technology to support, rather than replace, skilled labor, contributing to its success in attracting and retaining employees. The boatyard also fosters a collaborative spirit within the industry, referring work to other Maine businesses when demand is high. This collective effort aims to reinforce Maine’s reputation as the "building capital of the world."

Sources

• Brooklin Boat Yard gets $1.5M for tech expansion, Bangor Daily News.

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