New Manufacturing Director appointment underlines Phoenix Marine's growth strategy

Stefan Rice © Phoenix Marine

Peterborough-based manufacturer Phoenix Marine, sister brand to Phoenix Fluid Power, has appointed Stefan Rice to the new position of Manufacturing Director across both businesses.

Bringing three decades of experience to the role from the world of motorsport, Rice will lead and develop Phoenix Marine's manufacturing team - which produce custom hydraulic systems and bespoke mechanisms for the world's leading yacht builders.

Commenting on the announcement, Rice says: "I'm really looking forward to getting involved with developing the great people, processes and systems here at Phoenix. I enjoy a challenge and believe my background with Formula One will help in identifying opportunities to support future business growth and improvements."

The latest recruit has spent nearly 30 years working at the pinnacle of automotive manufacturing, including roles with Ilmor Engineering, McLaren Automotive and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. This saw him working on numerous engine projects which powered Mika Häkkinen to back-to-back Formula One Drivers' Championships in 1998 and 1999, before projects which have supported championship winning drives from Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. More recently, he has been involved with supercar and hypercar engines, including the McLaren Senna, Speedtail and Artura V6 Hybrid.

Elizabeth Noles, General Manager & Director of Phoenix Fluid Power, says: "Our team is growing and Stefan is a really great addition. He will provide extra support so we can finetune our operations and meet the increasing demand we're seeing - particularly from the high-end marine leisure sector."

Phoenix Marine is a member of the British Marine Federation and operates from Phoenix Fluid Power's 20,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Woodston. The company specialises in designing and creating hydraulic systems for the marine industry, working for some of the best known superyacht manufacturers in the world.

Phoenix Fluid Power designs, simulates and manufactures advanced fluid power systems for customers worldwide. This includes producing bespoke fluid power systems, including fluid control units, power packs, electrical control systems, cylinders and hose kits. Its site features the latest CNC turning and milling machines, waterjet cutting and shotblasting capabilities, a dedicated hose assembly service area, and precision welding bays. It also houses an online parts shop, with more than 70,000 units in stock.