Hartsville, SC – Stingray Boats, an independent boat builder with more than 45 years of focus on innovation and quality, has hired Chad Helms as its Chief Manufacturing Officer effective immediately.

Helms’ role will include overseeing the manufacturing process for the boatbuilder and its associated team members, with a focus on process standardization and commitment to quality. He comes to Stingray with experience as the ThermoFlex Division SPS (Sonoco Performance System)/Capital Project Manager at Sonoco (2019-2025) – a provider of diversified consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and packaging supply chain services - as well as the Manufacturing Area Manager at Dupont (2010-2019) - a global leader in developing and delivering essential innovations for various industries - over the past 15 years combined. His experience also includes overseeing Capital projects for 16 plants totaling $50 million, as well as handling safety for the entire division. Helms is from the Hartsville, SC area and holds a bachelor’s degree from Coker University (’99).

“I’m looking forward to not only joining the Stingray Boats team, but to also support our manufacturing team as we work toward our goal of continuous process improvement,” said Helms. “Learning and streamlining the manufacturing processes will be crucial in not only upholding but also building upon Stingray’s legacy and strong reputation for building best-in-class products year over year.”

“Chad brings a unique and seasoned skill set to our team,” said Stingray Boats President Barry Avent. “He’s highly versed in lean manufacturing, has 6 Sigma Black Belt Certification and Dale Carnegie certification, and is proficient in professional leadership development, all of which will allow him to oversee our manufacturing operations as well as refine our processes to help make us even better. It’s not just the great boats we produce, but it’s also how we produce them, and achieving the utmost quality in what we produce that we’re constantly striving for.”

Stingray Boats builds models ranging from 17’-27’ with numerous outboard engine options including center consoles, dual consoles, deck boats, and sport boats. Stingray has been recognized as a popular boatbuilder in the industry for more than four and a half decades.

For more information on Stingray Boats, visit www.stingrayboats.com; or contact Mark Jerkins or Victoria Henderson at Tinsley Creative, email: mark@tinsleycreative.com or victoria@tinsleycreative.com; phone: 863.583.0081.