SEA RAY® CELEBRATES 40 YEARS AT ITS TENNESSEE PRODUCTION FACILITY
Sea Ray’s Tellico Lake plant was opened in 1983 to support expansion of production
Published on August 25th, 2023
KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (25 August 2023) — With more than six decades of manufacturing one of the most globally recognized brand of boats in the marine industry, Sea Ray is celebrating 40 years at its Vonore, Tenn.Tellico Lake facility and honoring the location’s history and achievements.
Sea Ray made its first footprint in Tennessee when it started production of small runabouts in 1983 out of the Tellico Lake plant. The company’s headquarters soon followed, relocating to Knoxville in 1985.
The Tellico Lake plant initially produced Sea Ray’s Seville line of boats and other 18 to 25-foot runabout models. Over 40 years, the facility has built for Sea Ray and other Brunswick brands, totaling 680 models. Today, the facility produces boats ranging in size from 23 – 35 feet including models from each of Sea Ray’s SPX, SDX, SLX and iconic Sundancer lines. It employs more than 620 talented and dedicated team members locally with 130 team members who have been with the plant 20 years or more.
“We were the first boat manufacturer to put down roots in Eastern Tennessee and have been proud to call the Knoxville area home for four decades,” said Keith Yunger, Sea Ray president. "The achievements of the past 40 years have set the stage as our tenured team steps into the next decade of building the most iconic boats in the industry.”
Throughout its establishment in East Tennessee, Sea Ray has also contributed greatly to the local community through outreach efforts. Showcasing their appreciation for the community they call home, Sea Ray employees have devoted their time and resources to make a positive impact and support their neighbors. Recent contributions include a food backpack program for local elementary schools, and a Christmas gift program with Angel Tree Gifts. The Tellico team donated over 530 lbs. of bird seed, books, blankets and other supplies for the Life Care Center of Athens and over 1,100 pounds of food for the Fresh Start homeless program, and has established an internal Blessing Box program for employees in need. This month, the team continued its community mission by hosting three families for boat rides and time on the water, supporting Team Lexi, a local foundation that provides assistance to families with children diagnosed with cancer.
Sea Ray hosted a 40-year anniversary celebration Saturday, Aug.19th with over 1400 team members and their families in attendance. Honored guests included members of the original “Tellico 13”, 13 of the founding team members of the plant in 1983, and additional team members that joined during that first year.
For more information about Sea Ray, and to view the complete lineup, visit SeaRay.com.