When deciding to buy a pontoon boat, you might want to know more about a few aspects such as where the boats are manufactured, some background on the manufacturer, and details on their heritage or company ethos. My first pontoon was a Bennington, and before I bought, I was curious, just like you, as to where Bennington pontoon boats are made. Below is what I found out.

Bennington pontoons are made in Elkhart, Indiana. Founded in 1997 by Dick Strefling, Steve Vogel and Pat Call, Bennington remains a private company to this day, being employee owned. * 

Where are Bennington Pontoon Boats Manufactured?

Bennington pontoon boats are manufactured at the Elkhart company headquarters and manufacturing plant on 2805 Decio Drive, Elkhart, Indiana 46514.

Where are Bennington Pontoon Boats Made All As far as I know, the company is entirely virtually integrated, meaning that design and manufacturing all takes place in house, although I believe some of the electronic components are most likely sourced from third parties.

According to data published on the Economic Development Corporation for Elkhart County website, Bennington is the 15th largest employer in the area. They are said to employ 604 members of staff (view data source).

Where Does the Name Bennington Come From?

According to a 2011 interview with Steve Vogel, the previous CEO of Bennington, said name had absolutely no relation to any other the founding members of the company.

The name instead came from another company that Dick Strefling, another founder, was running in 1997. He had several businesses, one of which manufactured wood products and was already called Bennington.

All three founders liked the name so much and believed that it portrayed a quality that could work in the marine industry too, so decided to take the name for the new pontoon business they were starting.

Short History of the Bennington Marine Company

Bennington was founded by three Indiana man in 1997; Richard (Dick) Strefling, Steve Vogel and Patrick Call as a privately-owned business.

That makes Bennington one of the newest of the big brand pontoon manufacturers, as most of their leading competitors were established between the 1950s and 1960s.

Bennington also have an agreement with the StanCraft Boat Company, who lend design and construction work on around 35 pontoons each year from their Hayden, Idaho location.

Bennington have grown to having over 50,000 satisfied customers, Bennington is renowned for quality and customer service.

According to Steve Vogel, he says that “about 10 percent of our production is custom. Some of our best ideas come from customers”.

Feedback is very important to Bennington, as they do honestly take on board what their customers tell them, and move those ideas and suggestions often into production at their manufacturing plant. 

** STOP THE PRESS **

On May 30th 2018, Bennington (Boat Holdings LLC) was sold to Polaris Industries LLC for $805 million US dollars. Boat Holdings, which earned $560 million in 2017 revenue last year, will boost Polaris’ annual sales around 10 percent.

Jacob Vogel, son of founder Steve, who has had day-to-day control as current chief executive, will continue to lead Boat Holdings as an independent unit of Polaris with its base remaining in Elkhart, Indiana.

Company Details

  • Year Established: 1997
  • Employees: 604
  • Head Office Location: 2805 Decio Drive, Elkhart, Indiana 46514
  • Website: benningtonmarine.com