Sunseeker buys new south coast manufacturing site

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Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer
Published : 14 Mar 2007 9:15
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Upmarket marine manufacturer Sunseeker International said today it had agreed terms with US-based Luhrs Marine for the purchase of its Legend Yacht manufacturing facilities at Osprey Quay, Portland on the South Coast.

The site will be acquired to accommodate Sunseeker International's planned expansion with a licence to use the facilities immediately, and production starting as soon as the purchase is complete.

The luxury boat builder said that demand for its motoryachts – specifically its larger models - was growing year on year and the need for more waterside production space had been an important issue. With further investments being made at the company's shipyard headquarters in Poole these new facilities will allow Sunseeker to meet future demand, the company said.

Sunseeker managing director Robert Braithwaite said Osprey Quay was an ideal location for its future expansion plans. “We are particularly pleased that we can continue to build the business locally,” he said. “I am sure that by moving a level of production to the Portland location we will be able to build on the company's success whilst adding to the growth of the local economy and utilising the boatbuilding skills available in the area."

Sunseeker, which employs 1800 staff, is the world's largest privately-owned builder of motor yachts of its type. It recently launched its largest model to date, the 37 metre tri-deck yacht, at the London International Boat Show. With a number of orders already confirmed and a new range of models over 30 metres in development, the new facilities at Portland will play an important part in meeting future deliveries.

Sunseeker, which has worked closely with Luhrs and the South West of England Regional Development Agency to secure the deal, is expecting production to be underway in May and is planning to employ up to 500 skilled staff at the 11.5 acre site over the next four years.