Tracker Marine to invest $15M in Lebanon plants

Tracker Marine, a Springfield-based boat and trailer manufacturer operating under the umbrella of Bass Pro Shops, has put in motion plans to invest $15 million to expand its two Lebanon plants.

The capital investment and expansion is expected to create 76 manufacturing jobs during the next five years, according to a news release from the office of Gov. Jay Nixon, who yesterday visited Tracker Marine's plastics plant in Lebanon to make the announcement.

Tracker Marine's two Lebanon facilities employ more than 600. Its main manufacturing plant was built more than 30 years ago and produces boats and pontoons, which are sold at Bass Pro stores. The second facility, purchased in 2007, produces kayaks, marine parts and fuel tanks for boats.

If the company meets job creation and investment criteria, it could become eligible for state incentives, the release said.