Formula Boats Back On Line

In accordance with the second stage of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s plan to reopen the Hoosier State, Formula Boats reopened its Decatur facility today. According to company marketing manager Scott Smith, 309 of Formula’s 330 employees were back on the job after a five-week shutdown in response to Indiana’s COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

Smith described the company’s leadership as calm, measured and confidence-instilling during the novel coronavirus crisis.

Finishing the outboard-powered version of the 380 SSC is among Formula’s top priorities now that the company has reopened its facility. Photo courtesy/copyright Formula Boats.

 “This isn’t like 2008-2009, not that there was any screaming or panicking back then, but it had more of a deer-in-the-headlights feeling,” he said. “Leadership has been incredibly calm throughout this thing. It feels finite, like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

“You can definitely feel a change,” he said, then chuckled. “Traffic in town was a bit heavier today.”

Smith said that finishing models now overdue for delivery is among the company’s top priorities. More important to everyone involved, however, is maintaining safety through prescribed social distancing measures throughout the Formula factory. He added that the company is particularly eager to finish the new outboard engine-powered version of the 380 Super Sport Crossover, which was released with stern-drive propulsion in 2019.

“Getting the outboard version on the water late last week was for huge for us because we were so close with it,” he said. “Of course, we still have to sell it but were confident in that.”

Smith paused, then laughed. “This is the first time I’ve worn real pants in a while,” he said. “I miss my sweats. But it is nice to have a little structure again.”

Said Smith, “You can definitely feel a change. Traffic in town was a bit heavier today.”

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