Beneteau Factory Renovation
With a huge investment in a new CNC machinery driven woodshop and a complete overhaul of its production areas, Beneteau USA Inc. is in the process of revamping its 250,000 square foot facility into the most modern big sailboat factory in America. Contractors, advisors from parent company Groupe Beneteau, and South Carolinian team members are scurrying to change the 25 year old factory from the past style of eight independent production lines into a new, single line, continuous flow, production facility comprising 20 operation positions. The outcome of this new way of building will allow shortened lead times, less work in process and greater flexibility in model mix. The Marion plant will be the only American sailboat plant able to build anything from 30 footers up to 50 footers, all in the same quick-flow process.
"This is an amazing feat for our team, as it truly was an internal initiative that came from the leadership of our Vice President of Manufacturing, Gerard Martineau, working with the full spectrum of production from managers to those on the floor. They have developed a system that is unique in our end of the industry and will eliminate wasted time while improving quality and flexibility," said Wayne Burdick, President of Beneteau USA. "When the plant reconfiguration work is complete and we are able to turn on the new, lean, mean, production machine, no one else in the US will be able to make cruising sailboats with as much efficiency and flexibility of product mix. This should give Beneteau a strategic advantage to quickly provide the best value in exactly the model our customer wishes to buy." "I am proud of all the work by our people in Marion to prepare for this mode of manufacturing. We all went to school together to learn about lean manufacturing, work flow and value stream mapping, and the result proves that this great team of boat builders is equal to any in the world when it comes to new ways of thinking and doing. Great work by this very motivated group will launch us into a new era of excellent quality at the best price and the quickest delivery, continuing Marion's claim of being the largest producer of sailing yachts on this continent," stated Mr. Martineau. "In the month of November current production will temporarily cease, so that the remains of the existing independent lines can be moved into the new continuous flow platforms which are already in place. I can't wait to see the results when we start humming in early December!"
Oceanis 58 Exterior Photo
Keel
Galley
Salon
Sleeping Quarters
Spacious Master Cabin
The Beneteau Swift Trawler 34
Another View
Interior Shot
The view of the Fly Bridge
The Keel of the First 35
Interior of First 35
Nav Station
Port side of First 35
Aerial view of the First 35
Beneteau Factory Renovation
Captain Paul Jumping for Joy to be on Land!
Sunset en route to Tortola in a Beneteau 40.
A View from the Mast! Captain Paul Del Rio of Oriental NC sent us these pictures!
The St. Barts Yachts Oriental Office
This is the St. Barts Sales Team in Oriental, NC. Our office is located at the Oriental Harbor Village Center & Marina. For information or directions to our office contact Dave Wright or Steve Leech at (252)249-7245.
These handsome guys are the St. Barts Yachts Florida Team. Our office is located at Fleming Island Marina in Orange Park, FL. To see our boats listed through that office give them a call! Jeff Knoll, Carey English & Hal Runnfeldt are happy to be of assistance in finding the perfect boat for you! (904)264-9100 
The Beneteau Flyer 12! Click here for details!
A beautiful day for a Sea Trial! The Flyer 12 is available for showing by appointment at the St. Barts Yachts office at the Charleston City Marina.
This pretty little guy was waiting patiently for his owner to pick out the Beneteau of his dreams!
Photos Courtesy of Annapolis Yacht Sales 
Cruisers 420, "The Diary"
To the Beneteau Family Mr. and Mrs. Jones! They just purchased a Beneteau 40, and are looking forward to enjoying this gorgeous weather aboard their new boat.
See the boat in the middle? The blue hulled one? That would be The Continental Drifter III, owned by Mr. Jimmy Buffett himself. We are crossing our fingers that he stops by St. Barts.
Chet, of Waterland Canvas, delivering a bimini to some clients.
Nick installing some Raymarine electronics.
Jason assisting with the rigging.
Eddie checking the sails on a Beneteau 43.
The dock at St. Barts Yachts
"Riverbird" waiting for her owners to return...
A flippered friend greets the sailors!
Harbortown Marina
"Riverbird" by moonlight
