Expansion planned at marine firm

A leading marine business plans to expand its warehouse to cope with increased demand from commercial clients after securing major contracts with Argyllshire-based fish farms.

Gael Force, which specialises in marine equipment supply and services, opened its marine centre on Earl Haig Road four years ago to provide a walk-in trade and retail outlet for the company’s customers on the Clyde, Argyll and Ayrshire coast, with a focus on the leisure and commercial market sectors.

While the leisure side of the business is steady, Gael Force has seen a major increase in demand from commercial and aquaculture customers.

This growth has led the company to begin making plans to extend its warehouse space at its unit by reducing its shop floor.

It has also doubled its Hillington Park staff to six people with two area sales managers also based here.

Stewart Griffiths, marine centre manager, said:“In the past four years we’ve overseen significant growth which has led to not only our customer base expanding but our team too.

“Our main sectors are commercial marine, aquaculture and mooring but we’re also in a great position to serve the leisure market.

“In the last year, we’ve secured an important contract with a commercial customer and we expect further developments in this area in future.

“We now operate van delivery routes to Argyll which has had a positive impact on our customers. Gael Force has expanded year on year since it was established and we’re delighted our Hillington Park base has further strengthened the company’s leading position in the market.”

Founded in the Hebrides in 1983 to design and manufacture a better fishing creel and supply direct to the boat owner, Gael Force has grown to become a market leader throughout the UK, Europe and North America in fishing, engineering and offshore renewables.