Maritimo needs help
Luxury boat builder goes on a hiring spree
GOLD Coast luxury boat builder Maritimo will embark on a major hiring spree as it rides a wave of success including orders that stretch out to 2020.
The Coomera-based company, founded by Bill BarryCotter, wants to boost its workforce by 30 per cent, or 70 people, to meet demand.
At the recent Auckland On Water Boat Show, buyers signed contracts for Maritimo boats worth more than $10 million, which came after the manufacturer racked up $40 million in sales at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
CEO Garth Corbitt said the firm needs a range of skilled workers to ensure it has the production capacity to fill the orders.
“We are employing highly-skilled people in lamination, cabinet-making, fitout, engineering, varnish and stainless fabrication,” he said.
“We have had a phenomenal year with tremendous sales success and the task at hand now is to get the boats built.
“We have steadily increased our workforce over the year, but we are still employing at all fields within the manufacturing areas of the company.”
Earlier this year Maritimo expanded its Coomera premises after purchasing a 3.1ha site at 9 McPhail Rd, which neighbours its base at 15 Waterways Drive.
The investment increased the size of its Coomera holding to 4.66ha with 9314sq m of plant space under roof.
The expanded production capacity and hiring drive comes as Maritimo prepares to unveil the its X50 Sport Yacht next year.
Maritimo’s lead designer, Tom Barry-Cotter, said the X50, which will have its international debut at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May next year, has generated unprecedented interest due to its accommodation options and price point, starting from $1.45 million.
He said the X50 had enjoyed strong sales ahead of the launch.
Meanwhile, the X60 Sport Yacht, which had its premiere in May, has impressed after making the journey from Australia to New Zealand.
“People were very surprised to hear that the X60 was capable of such a passage as it is uncommon for a sport yacht to have extended range capability,” Tom Barry-Cotter said.
“Seeing a Maritimo complete a voyage like that builds confidence in the brand and is a clear demonstration of the sea worthiness of our vessels.”