Maritimo: All ahead full

A GOLD Coast boat builder closing in on a multi-million dollar expansion is doubling its manufacturing base, boosting overseas exports and on a recruitment drive.

Maritimo has been aggressively growing its factory at its Coomera Marine Precinct base since late 2017 in a project that is on track for completion early next year.

The company, founded by industry doyen Bill Barry-Cotter, bought a 3.09ha site in 2017 on McPhail Rd next to its Waterways Dr factory and doubling its manufacturing base.

The expansion, which Mr Barry-Cotter has previously described as the company’s most significant investment and growth project since he started Maritimo 17 years ago, comes as sales surged 30 per cent this year and it looks to grow its 200-strong workforce.

Mr Barry-Cotter said the manufacturing plant would cover 4.664ha and be one of the most advanced in the industry.

“This new facility has enabled us to streamline and refine how we design and manufacture boats and at the same time dramatically improve the working environment for our people,” he said.

Maritimo CEO Garth Corbitt said completion of the manufacturing facility cames as Maritimo’s global expansion was stepped up and followed its most successful year in 2018 with record sales globally.

“The company will continue to market approximately half of the vessels we produce internationally,” he said. “Our new and improved base will enable us to do that efficiently and cost effectively, ultimately resulting in a better product for our customers and a better environment for our people.”

A key part of the expansion involved relocating the product and design team from Maritimo’s Hope Harbour facility to the Waterways Drive base.

Maritimo general manager operations Phil Candler said the expansion enabled Maritimo to grow and increase the size of vessels “as and when it saw fit” without having to make significant changes to the factory.

He said the company was also recruiting to boost its workforce by 30 per cent.

Maritimo was increasing its apprentice intake along with training and development of current staff, he said.

Mr Barry-Cotter said Maritimo’s record 2018 in sales involved $40 million in deals at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Maritimo had an order book taking it through to 2020.

Maritimo operations general manager Phil Candler said the company wanted to hire 10 more apprentices and 30-40 skilled tradespeople for 2019.