A small boat company in Jeanerette has grown into an major economic force in the area. Metal Shark Boats was honored yesterday by Governor Bobby Jindal with the Second Governor's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence. The company which started in the 1980's with just seven employees now has a payroll of over 200. Metal Shark Boats produces welded aluminum boats for the military and government sector, both domestically and internationally.

Speaking with the Louisiana Radio Network yesterday company President Chris Allard said,

"We're a company by the name of Gravois Aluminum Boats and we do business as Metal Shark, predominately with US Coast Guard, US Navy, and foreign military customers around the world."

The Governor's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence is given to businesses that grow and provide more opportunities, jobs and commerce for the state. Allard credits the company's success to their hard working employees and the innovative, high quality product they produce.

This is the second Governor's Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the first award was presented to Duck Commander and the Robertson family in West Monoroe in February of 2014.

 

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