Harris Boats Enhances In-House Manufacturing Capabilities; Announces Automated Painting and Powder Coating Process
October 31, 2022
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Harris® Boats, a leading pontoon manufacturer, today announced the launch of its new powder coat painting process at its factory in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This new in-house capability for Harris enables the automation of powder coating fence components. Designed to streamline operations, the new paint equipment, which is operated by a hand-selected team of trained professionals, enables the reduction of manufacturing costs, improved quality, and improved flexibility.
“This new in-house capability helps move our business forward and transforms our manufacturing process,” said Chris Bernauer, Harris president. “Pontoon demand continues to remain strong, and we believe that the installation of the new powder coating system will pay dividends for years to come. The initial feedback has already been overwhelmingly positive, and we are confident that our dealers and customers will be thrilled with the end result.”
Featuring a 3-dimensional part scanner that adjusts the distance to the surface for the powder coat spray guns, the system requires only a quality inspector on duty at any time and the process is controlled via a touch screen user interface. Staff on site are protected by dozens of safety interlocks to prevent improper use of the machine. To improve sustainability, it has a cyclone system that separates reclaimable powder from unusable powder.
Following a year of development, the new process began operation in June.
About Harris Boats
Since 1957, Harris Boats has been crafting pontoons that complement the way boaters live on the water. From the Cruiser series to the Crowne, uncompromising comfort, luxury and performance are standard. All so you can live your best lake life with friends and family—and make new memories on the water.
About Brunswick:
Headquartered in Mettawa, Ill., Brunswick Corporation’s leading consumer brands include Mercury Marine outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; Mercury global parts and accessories including propellers and SmartCraft electronics; Navico Group, which includes industry-leading brands like MotorGuide, Attwood, Mastervolt, Blue Sea Systems, CZone; Land ’N’ Sea, BLA, Payne’s Marine, Kellogg Marine, and Lankhorst Taselaar marine parts distribution; Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Heyday, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Thunder Jet and Uttern boats; Boating Services Network, Freedom Boat Club and Boat Class. For more information, visit brunswick.com.
