Glasstream, Fassmer partner up

Business has been good for the Dothan, Ala.-based Glasstream Powerboats and its founder A.L. Kirkland. “We’re actually selling more product than we can manufacture,” he said at a May 31 celebration of its 13,500 square-foot expanded operations and announcement of a partnership with Fassmer Service America of Lauderhill, Fla., to bid on major military and law enforcement contracts. Fassmer Managing Director Tim Klaybor said they intend to bid on a large Navy contract, and noted that Glasstream’s tapered hull design provides some great advantages against current options. The partnership agreement calls for Glasstream to build the hulls and deck for the boats, then ship them to Fassmer’s facilities. Fassmer will then outfit the boat with the engine, electronics, and accessories for delivery to its customers, Klaybor said. Glasstream has produced similar products for the Department of Homeland Security and some foreign countries, said Kirkland. “The fit was really good between us and Fassmer,” he said. “They manufacture off-shore workboats and military-type stuff” and were “fascinated with our product – with our bottom designs and the speeds we were able to produce.” The expansion will allow Glasstream to hire another 40 personnel for various stages of production. (Source: Dothan Eagle 95/31/19) Neither company was specific as to what major military and law enforcement contracts they intended to bid on.