By Vicki Brown
HOS Boatworks (of DBA Cast and Blast Boats) will invest $250,000 in their operations, creating 15 new jobs over the next five years at their boat manufacturing facility in Walterboro.
“Walterboro is a great location for manufacturing our fiberglass HOS Boats, and we are pleased that we can grow our company and better serve our customer base here in Colleton County,” said Brooks Oswald, president of HOS Boatworks and Cast and Blast Boats. “We would like to thank the Colleton County team, SCA and the SC Department of Commerce for creating a business-friendly environment in which to grow our business.”
Colleton County Council Chairman Steve Murdaugh said he and council are “extremely excited” that HOS Boat Works is locating in the county, saying that businesses like this one show the county is ready and able to bring new jobs to the area.
“We look forward to working with management and we hope it will be a long relationship. This type of investment reaffirms that small business is truly the backbone to building a better economy,” he said. “We are proud to have this fine company expanding in our community, and we appreciate the jobs that they are creating right here in Walterboro,” said Murdaugh.
Located just off Mt. Carmel Road outside of Walterboro and along Interstate 95, HOS Boatworks has already begun production in Walterboro.
Colleton is a member of the regional development group, which focuses on expanding industry and work force development in several Lowcountry counties, including Colleton.
“SouthernCarolina Alliance welcomes HOS Boatworks’ investment in Colleton County,” said SouthernCarolina Alliance Chairman Marty Sauls. “Outdoorsmen are familiar with this stellar brand, and we are so pleased to have this company manufacturing and growing their operations in our region. What a great company and a great product!”
HOS Boats was founded by Brooks and Rosa Oswald. Brooks has more than 25 years of experience in the marine industry.
“We are excited to be opening and developing a new fiberglass boat manufacturer in Walterboro. HOS Boats, LLC will manufacture fiberglass boats with sales reaching customers in its targeted market,” he said. “Over the last 3 years we have invested and completed the first model, which is ready to be sold. This model is the 24’ fiberglass boat. There will be 2 more models to follow that are currently in the beginning phase of development and later 2 larger models. The models that are in the developmental phase now are 20’ and 33’ fiberglass boats.
“South Carolina is a large boating community with many boat manufacturers. Our boats appeal to inshore and offshore fishing along with being a family boat,” said Brooks Oswald.
HOS Boats mission is to develop, enhance, and promote fiberglass boats, models 24’ and to follow 20’ and 33’ models. HOS Boats will provide customers with an exceptionally built boat, where we have thought out every last detail and invested the time into producing a one-of-a-kind versatile boat with uncompromising service and support for our customers boating needs.
For more information, call the company office at: 843-795-0105.
