Industry giants remain active as we enter New Year - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 10 Jan 2024 14:00 PST
Lowell Facility expansion © Kim Rodriguez
Happy new Year to industry members everywhere. Our industry heavyweights continue be active.
Navico Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and the world's leading supplier of integrated systems and products for the marine and RV industries, today announced a multimillion-dollar investment in its Lowell, Michigan facility to create two Centers of Excellence in metal fabrication and electrification. The investment will increase quality, capacity, and efficiency, as well as improve product manufacturing capabilities.
"Navico Group is committed to being a leader in metal fabrication and electrification for the industries we serve, and this investment is a testament to that," said Brett Dibkey, Navico Group President. "The new manufacturing capabilities that we are implementing in the Lowell facility will enhance product development agility and speed-to-market. Additionally, our focus on custom battery development supports Brunswick's broader electrification efforts as part of our overall ACES strategy."
Brunswick Corporation has also announced the completion of solar installations at three of its global facilities, including its first project in Mexico. Brunswick's Reynosa facility, which manufactures its award-winning Bayliner, Trophy, Heyday, Sea Ray, and Lund brands, has installed more than 900 photovoltaic solar panels covering 4,000 square meters on the roof of the facility. The installation is expected to cover approximately 45% of the annual energy consumed by the facility's assembly area and generate approximately 800,000 kWH of electricity per year.
"We remain committed to enhancing the communities in which we live and work which includes focusing on sustainability within our plant operations," said Jose Guzman, Reynosa General Manager "Adding these photovoltaic solar panels is equivalent to taking 125 gasoline-powered cars off the road, which is an important contribution to our community."
MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE: HZO), the world's largest recreational boat, yacht and superyacht services company, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Williams Tenders USA, Inc. The acquisition is expected to close by March 31, 2024, and be accretive in its first full year of operations.
Headquartered in Pompano Beach, Florida, Williams Tenders USA is a premier distributor and retailer for UK-based Williams Jet Tenders Ltd, the world's leading manufacturer of rigid inflatable jet tenders for the luxury yacht market. The company offers the unparalleled range of tenders through its own showroom location and via its network of 20 dealers in the United States and the Caribbean.
Raymarine, global leaders in high-performance marine electronics for the recreational boating, marine first responder, and law enforcement markets, has announced that data from Waterway Guide is now included in all Raymarine LightHouse Chart Premium subscriptions. Waterway Guide has been a trusted resource for boaters across American waterways for eight decades. Its reach stretches from the Great Lakes to Caribbean destinations.
A wealth of digital information is available to LightHouse Chart Premium users, including databases of marinas, anchorages, and service facilities, pinpointed locations of bridges and locks, plus essential navigation alerts about crucial safety information and potential hazards.
Lumishore, the global leader in marine LED lighting, proudly reveals its latest breakthrough: a promise of brighter waters and a greener future through enhanced outputs for all its underwater lights in 2024. The innovative leap not only elevates underwater lighting standards but also highlights Lumishore's commitment to superior performance, enhanced durability, value and an eco-conscious design, setting a new benchmark for sustainable marine illumination.
People in the news: For 2024, Seven Seas Cruising Association is pleased to announce the election of the 2024 SSCA Officers, with President Joan Conover, Vice President Frank Smith, Treasurer Don Gillings as well as the positions supported by the Board of Directors, Members At Large.
Tartan Yachts, a renowned name in the world of superior sailing yachts for over 60 years, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Mullenberg as the National Sales & Business Development Manager for the Tartan sailboat and Legacy motor yacht brand. Mullenberg will be responsible for leading dealer and business development efforts in the North American Continent, with a primary focus on expanding the US/Canadian/Mexican dealer group and growing the rich 64-year legacy of Tartan.
And Sea Tow - the nation's leading on-water marine assistance provider - is pleased to announce the acquisition of Sea Tow Boston by MaassMarine, Inc., owned and operated by Captain Ethan Maass, who is also the owner of Sea Tow South Shore based in Marshfield, MA. With this expansion the number of ports serviced by Captain Maass and team has doubled. Located at 256 Marginal Street, East Boston, Sea Tow Boston's territory includes Gloucester Harbor, the Marblehead area, Boston Harbor, Quincy, Hingham and Hull.
Stay ambitious,
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@marinebusinessworld.com