Pro-Line Marine is now operating as an independent manufacturer.

The Washington-based boating company announced its decision last week, after months of selling off its investments in other brands. Pro-Line is still leasing space in its 265,000-square-foot location on Whichards Beach Road to its former affiliate Iconic Marine Group, which produces Fountain Powerboats, Donzi Marine and Baja Boats brands, according to a press release.

Pro-Line is owned and operated by the Wortley family.

“The owner of the property wanted to build strictly Pro-Line and separate from the other brands. We feel like the Pro-Line brand is very strong and even when the market was down we sold Pro-Line,” said Clint Garant, vice president of marketing and sales.

As part of the transition process, Pro-Line is being led by longtime employees and veteran boat builders, including Mike Carrigan Sr., Jim Cascadden, Carol Price and Lanie Martin, the press release states.

“Pro-Line will now focus its efforts to grow the brand, by expanding its core dealer alliances, while leveraging the leadership expertise of its veteran marine management team,” the release reads.

Garant said the next steps as the company settles into independent manufacturing involve handling logistics and operating aspects.

“We have the management team in place, we are signing dealers, and we are getting the facilities set up to hire employees. The phones have been ringing off the hook with applicants interested in joining team Pro-Line,” Garant said. “The biggest challenge has been getting the building set up to run manufacturing. Building contractors, getting permits, even simple things like connecting internet all have a lead time.”

He said the Wortleys also felt that it made more sense to keep the other brands in the same location, as moving equipment to different facilities is an expensive undertaking.

According to Garant, the goal is to maintain Pro-Line’s business reputation and keep its industry close to home.

“The vision is to continue on with building a quality product and keeping the manufacturing right here in N.C.,” he said. “Building a solid foundation of employees and managers that have a can-do attitude.”