BREMERTON, WA—Inventech Marine Solutions, a Bremerton manufacturer that builds boats for the U.S. Coast Guard, other government agencies, and private owners all over the world, is expanding its manufacturing facility. Recent plans include expanding to house a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility currently under construction west of the Bremerton National Airport.

The total cost of the building, which will handle 75% of Inventech's manufacturing work — from welding to integrating its recreational or commercial boats — and 8,000-square-foot office space as its new headquarters, could reach $5 to $6 million, Bowers said.

The company was recently awarded a state grant that could ease part of the financial burden. Through the Washington State Department of Commerce's Evergreen Manufacturing grant program, the state agency offered a $200,000 grant to Inventech's expansion, aiming at accelerating manufacturing job growth and economic opportunity across the state. The project was nominated by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance as a representative of the county and was recommended by U.S. Sixth District Rep. Derek Kilmer.

"We're really excited," Inventech Marine Solutions CEO Micah Bowers said as the news was announced at KEDA's annual meeting and economic forecast luncheon in the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort last week. "For us, it's just a wonderful opportunity."

Learn more about Inventech Marine Solutions here.