Brunswick Boat Group Expands Merritt Island Operations Amid Global Manufacturing Shift
By Space Coast Daily // September 27, 2025
Merritt Island is a key component of our multi-brand production strategy
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Brunswick Corp. is strengthening its Merritt Island facility as part of a strategic consolidation of its global fiberglass boat manufacturing operations, a move expected to create more than 200 U.S. manufacturing jobs over the next several years.
The marine technology giant announced it will close its Reynosa, Mexico, and Flagler Beach, Florida, plants, shifting production to high-performing U.S. facilities in Merritt Island, Florida, Vonore, Tennessee, and Edgewater, Florida.
The consolidation aims to align Brunswick’s production footprint with evolving market demands, reduce fixed costs, and enhance efficiency while maintaining capacity for future growth.
“Merritt Island is a key component of our multi-brand production strategy,” said Brenna Preisser, president of Brunswick Boat Group.
“Investments in our U.S. facilities, including $5 million in capital improvements here, will strengthen their capabilities and allow us to respond to future market rebounds more effectively.”
The Merritt Island plant will absorb production of select fiberglass boat models currently manufactured in Reynosa, Mexico, which primarily produces small, value-oriented boats. The transition, expected to be completed by summer 2026, reflects broader industry trends affecting the volume of value fiberglass boats.
In addition to expanding production capacity, Brunswick is coordinating with local authorities and economic development partners to ensure a smooth transition for employees.
Workers from the closing Flagler Beach facility will be offered opportunities to transfer to nearby Edgewater, while recruitment is underway to fill positions in production, logistics, engineering, and operations management at the company’s U.S. hubs.
With the Merritt Island facility playing a central role in Brunswick’s streamlined operations, the company anticipates enhanced operational synergies, improved profitability, and continued support for its aggressive product development roadmap.
