Deal Was Discussed During Recent Asian Economic Development Mission
RALEIGH— Gov. Bev Perdue announced Friday that Hatteras Yachts will be exporting its first ever yacht to China. The boat, a 60-foot motor yacht, was sold to a group of business executives that met with Gov. Perdue and N.C. Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco during the economic development mission to Asia last fall.
“Exporting products made in North Carolina is a critical piece of our state’s economy,” said Gov. Perdue. “Our boat building heritage and our fine craftsmanship are known worldwide. I congratulate Hatteras Yachts on this important milestone and we look forward to a long-term partnership with them.”
The yacht was sold to a group that runs the Hainan Cruise and Yacht Association in Hainan Province. The group will also operate a key dealership for Hatteras in southern China.
“Last year we announced our intentions to enter China, including the opening of a sales office in Shenzen,” said James R. Meyer, Hatteras President and CEO. “We are now shipping our first sold product. The yacht will debut later this spring at China’s most important boat show. I want to thank Gov. Perdue and Sec. Crisco for their work on this project.”
Hatteras Yachts is based in New Bern and the production facility provides 660,000 square feet of manufacturing space. The company has been an industry leader in the production of sportfishing convertibles and luxury motor yachts for 50 years. Hatteras Yachts announced an expansion of its New Bern facility in 2010 and have added 450 jobs over the last two years.
In North Carolina, exports support approximately 347,000 jobs and have more than a $30 billion dollar economic impact. Export activities provide state and local governments with almost $2.8 billion in tax revenue each year. China is now North Carolina’s second largest trading partner, with North Carolina businesses exporting more than $2.2 billion worth of products and services that market.
For more information about Hatteras, visit www.hatterasyachts.com.