Metal Shark Lands Contract to Produce up to 350 Boats for the U.S. Navy
Jeanerette, LA – November 25, 2013: Louisiana-based aluminum boat manufacturer Metal Shark Aluminum Boats has been awarded a contract to produce up to 350 specialized vessels for the United States Navy, the company announced today.
The fixed-price contract is for the construction of the Navy’s High Speed Maneuverable Surface Target (HSMST) vessels. Based on Metal Shark’s high performance 26-foot Relentless center console model, the twin engine, welded aluminum HSMSTs will be utilized by the Navy primarily for advanced weapons system testing and fleet training exercises.
“Metal Shark works diligently to exceed customer expectations and meet stringent mission requirements by providing advanced yet cost-competitive solutions, “ said Chris Allard, President of Metal Shark. “Large contracts such as this help us to increase our efficiencies, creating a trickle-down effect that positively impacts our ability to accommodate our state, local, and commercial customers as well.”
The Navy has issued an immediate production order for nearly $14 million worth of Metal Shark HSMSTs, with nearly three times that amount expected to follow by the contract’s conclusion in 2016.
About Metal Shark: Established in 1986, Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, and its government/commercial boat entity Metal Shark Aluminum Boats LLC, are leading suppliers of welded aluminum boats for military, law enforcement, and commercial entities worldwide. Key customers include the United States Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, and the militaries of partner nations worldwide. From its self-contained facility in Jeanerette, Louisiana, Metal Shark produces a wide range of custom welded aluminum center console and pilothouse patrol boats, fireboats, skiffs, and speciality vessels ranging from 16’ to 65’. Learn more about Metal Shark by visiting the company’s website at www.metalsharkboats.com.
For more information on this story, contact Josh Stickles at 941.400.8494, or jstickles@metalsharkboats.com.
