Agency official announces Voltari to open $37.5M electric-boat factory in Panama City, creating 285 jobs

An agency official announced that Canadian electric boat builder Voltari Marine Electric Inc. has chosen Bay County for a new U.S. manufacturing facility, the official said. "I'm excited to share some big economic development news for our community," the official said, and added that the company will redevelop the historic Queen Craft Shipyard in Panama City into a modern shipyard.

The official said the project "represents a $37,500,000 investment and is expected to create 285 new jobs," noting the development will produce advanced electric vessels for U.S. customers. Voltari was described as building electric propulsion systems, high-powered marine batteries, carbon-fiber hulls and autonomous vessels for defense, government and commercial fleets.

Officials framed the choice of Panama City as strategic. The official cited the city's location on Saint Andrews Bay and direct Gulf access as advantages for maritime manufacturing, innovation and on-water testing. The Queen Craft Shipyard, the official said, has been part of the area's maritime history since the 1970s and will be redeveloped for contemporary production needs.

The official also said Voltari is already working with students at Tom P. Haney Technical College to help train the next generation of skilled workers locally. "We're proud that companies like Voltari see the potential in our workforce, our waterfront, and our future right here in Panama City," the official said.

The remarks in the announcement did not specify a timeline for construction or opening, nor did they include details about required permits or financing beyond the company-stated investment and job figures.