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NEW BERN, N.C. — One business that's seen it's fair share of hard times is the boating industry, but one company that has laid off hundreds in the past is now doing the hiring.

Governor Bev Perdue is happy that Hatteras Yachts is expanding in New Bern and creating 350 jobs. Hatteras is moving it's Cabo Yachts manufacturing operation to eastern North Carolina. The first 100 of these jobs are expected to be filled by the end of the year. It is a $4.7 million investment.

"This was an industry that was born in NC several hundred years ago. And today's announcement helps folks who are crafts people from all over the East," said Gov. Bev Perdue

Hatteras has made cuts in the past, as last year it laid off more than 325 workers. When at one point the manufacturer employed 1,500. But Hatteras President Jim Meyer said things are looking up.

"But we've got more than enough jobs and will be opening up the job market here locally and will be opening up the job hiring here locally in the next couple of months," said Meyer.

Along the coast, U.S. Marine in Brunswick County and Boaters World in Atlantic Beach have both shut down in the past two years. That's why the Governor said this announcement is important for our state.

"This is really an important day for the East. Hatteras and Cabo laid down a marker that they are going to have this as their major manufacturing base and that's pretty cool," said Gov. Perdue.

Before she left, Hatteras officials presented the Governor with a plaque.