Last year, we completed a 6,000-square-foot addition to the fiberglass area at Viking Mullica by physically connecting Buildings 2 and 3 to create one contiguous manufacturing area (see inset). This was the first of a two-phase expansion to increase manufacturing space at this facility, where we build our V-33, V-37, V-41 and V-46.
The second part is a 12,000-square-foot, two-story addition to extend the backside of Building 1 for the production of additional fiberglass parts.
The erection of the building started in May, and the facility is scheduled for completion in the summer. The majority of the steel infrastructure was erected during this past week.
“These expansion projects are helping us build a better boat every day,” says Viking Mullica General Manager John Leek IV, shown last week checking on the progress of the steel erection. “Phase I of the project has allowed us to better organize the manufacturing space. And this latest project will continue our efforts to improve our build efficiency.”
These aerial images really showcase the significant volume the building will provide. Part of the Building 1 project includes an electrical utility upgrade, which will consolidate the four electrical meters to one electrical service with a ground-mounted transformer, according to Viking Plant Engineering Manager Jeff Staub. “The upgrade allows us to bring in more power, which allows us to run additional equipment that will help us build the boats more efficiently.”