Inland Northwest Boat Builders Successfully Export Around the World

A group of nine boat manufacturers located in the Inland Northwest’s Lewis-Clark Valley have made big business out of exporting boats around the world. Known as the Snake River Boat Builders, the manufacturers have successfully joined together to market their welded-aluminum boats to Europe. The Snake River Boat Builders Export Program aims to develop viable foreign markets for the welded-aluminum boats. The joint effort has been very successful, generating more than $20 million (and growing) in annual revenue.

The group, along with Valley Vision, the area’s economic development association, and the U.S. Department of Commercial Service, has completed trade missions to Germany, Spain, Norway and Sweden and participated in three international trade shows in Germany and Spain. The group has held in-bound trade missions with Germany, Spain, Turkey, Russia, The Netherlands, Sweden and Norway.

The trade missions have resulted in interest and sales of welded-aluminum boats for fishing, hauling freight, water skiing and law enforcement. Primary markets to date have included Europe and Canada, with additional sales in Africa and South America.

The program is a great example of successful collaboration between members of a dynamic manufacturing cluster and the economic development community of the Lewiston/Clarkston region. Learn more about the Snake River Boat Builders at www.snakeriverboats.com.