BRP Opens New $15 Million Design & Innovation Center in Palm Bay
Driving Innovation and Economic Growth in the Community 🚤
Palm Bay, FL -- BRP Inc. (TSX: DOO; NASDAQ: DOOO), a global leader in powersports and marine products, has officially inaugurated its state-of-the-art Design & Innovation Center in Palm Bay, Florida. This $15 million facility marks a significant milestone in BRP's ongoing expansion in the region, underscoring the company's commitment to advancing marine product development and contributing to the local economy.
Commitment to Innovation
“At BRP, innovation runs deep in our DNA and we are passionate about delivering outstanding riding experiences to our customers all over the world,” said José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP. “Our Palm Bay site plays a pivotal role in our innovation journey and this is why, over the last few years, we have invested more than $15 million in this facility.”
The new Design & Innovation Center is dedicated to developing advanced concepts and designs for BRP’s marine products. Housing 60 employees, the center focuses on pushing the boundaries of technology for both on-water and powersports products. Denys Lapointe, Chief Design Officer of BRP, emphasized the collaborative spirit within the company: “One of our greatest strengths as a company is the profound collaboration that exists between the design team and the engineering and product teams. The Palm Bay site is the perfect illustration of this synergy. By combining design and advanced concepts with R&D, we are able to explore new possibilities and create products that offer unique, innovative and exciting adventures for our riders.”
Economic and Community Impact
BRP's investment in Palm Bay extends beyond product innovation. The establishment of the Design & Innovation Center is set to bolster the local economy significantly. Over the past few years, BRP has also invested in its Research & Development (R&D) and testing facilities in Palm Bay, including the acquisition of additional land that provides access to diverse playgrounds for product testing and development.
Palm Bay, a multi-generational and family-oriented community close to the ocean, offers an ideal environment for BRP’s teams to stay abreast of industry trends, identify emerging consumer needs, and test products in relevant settings. This strategic location not only enhances BRP’s product development capabilities but also strengthens the company’s ties to the community.
Global Network of Innovation
The Palm Bay Design & Innovation Center is one of BRP’s three global design hubs, alongside facilities in Valcourt, Québec, and Sophia Antipolis, France. In Palm Bay, the R&D team focuses on engineering jet propulsion systems, powerpacks, and conducting calibration and testing to ensure product performance and durability. This facility acts as an extension of the Laurent Beaudoin Design and Innovation Centre in Valcourt, the largest design center in Canada, where advanced vehicle concepts are developed. The Sophia Antipolis center, inaugurated in 2023, concentrates on sustainable urban mobility solutions.
BRP’s global network facilitates the sharing of advanced concepts and ideas, enabling the Palm Bay team to cater to diverse markets and geographies. Notable products designed by the Palm Bay team include the all-new Manitou Cruise and Explore pontoons, Alumacraft Trophy and Competitor aluminum boats, and the Quintrex Freestyler boat.
Sustaining Growth and Community Engagement
BRP’s expansion in Palm Bay aligns with the company’s broader strategy of fostering sustainable growth and supporting local economic development. By enhancing its R&D capabilities and contributing to the local economy, BRP reinforces its role as a key player in Palm Bay’s community and economic landscape.
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So now that they are divesting from their marine division, what happens to the jobs they promised? Hopefully the City has a recourse to address this bait and switch!
Where is it locate?