_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Formula Boats
Since 1956 , family-owned and managed Formula Boats ( Formula ) has been powering the premium powerboat manufacturing industry with exquisite craftmanship and exceptional customer care . Over the years , the company name has been synonymous with beautiful designs , unmatched quality and extraordinary attention to detail as it pursues its mission to deliver ‘ the ultimate fun and safe boating experience that brings family and friends closer together ’.
Manufacturing Today recently sat down with Scott Porter , Chief Executive Officer at Formula Boats , to learn more about the business ’ journey to success .
“ The Porter Family has owned the company since April of 1976 ,” Scott begins . “ The boats are built by Thunderbird Products , a Porter Inc company which is 100 percent family owned and managed in Decatur , Indiana . Actively involved in the company structure are five second generation family members and six third generation family members .
“ All manufacturing operations of Formula Boats occur on the Formula Campus in a facility that measures 575,000 square feet . Each boat is highly crafted , however , where possible , computer-aided machines cut fiberglass , structural foams , cabinet pieces , bulkheads , and other reinforcement materials for highly accurate parts .
“ For many years Formula has marketed and sold a diverse product line-up ,” Scott continues . “ Today we sell extremely versatile boats for lake and offshore use from 24 feet to 35 feet in length . Most are bowrider designs with a couple of closed bow designs , however we also build larger Coupe style boats , ranging from 38 feet to 50 feet , that maximize cockpit seating with enclosed mid cockpits and sleeping accommodations . We also offer two sizes of Center Console fish and sport style boats .”
Additional to its ever-expansive portfolio , Formula enhances the customer experience further with its extensive customization capabilities . As well as its pre-existing lineup , the company also offers a bespoke design and build service to help its customers bring their visions to life .
... a client can choose from a tremendous offering of vinyl and fabrics to create the boat of their dreams
“ Formula is a semi-custom builder , and our ‘ Flex ’ and ‘ Flex My Way ’ programs offer unlimited paint colors and many designs to choose from ,” Scott details . “ In the cockpit and cabin areas , a client can choose from a tremendous offering of vinyl and fabrics to create the boat of their dreams .”
This high level of custom manufacturing and dedication to quality drives Formula ’ s commitment to choosing the best vendors to supply its parts and components . The company produces several in-house parts whilst sourcing others from trusted suppliers .
“ Due to our semi-custom Flex and Flex My-Way options and the need for impeccable quality , we make our own cabinetry , cabin upholstery and cockpit upholstery ,” Scott explains . “ Porter Inc also owns a wire harness company in Decatur that supplies all 12V harnesses on a just-in-time basis . For other components , we seek out the best possible vendors to help us deliver an outstanding finished product . Our boat engines are supplied by Mercury Marine in Wisconsin and Ilmor Engineering in Michigan , and we also contract other outside vendors to deliver multi-axis routed tooling components .”
manufacturing-today . com 65