Cobia Boats has opened a plant in McDowell County, and will eventually employ up to 300 workers.

The plant came as a direct result of state incentives Joe Sam Queen has supported and helped to craft in Raleigh and as an Advantage West board member.

During a recent tour of Cobia’s facility with state and local officials, Queen had this to say: “When you see the pride on the faces of these new employees as they complete their first boat, you can’t help but be grateful to a state and community willing to invest in their citizens’ capability to be competitive in a new, diversified economy.”