FULL STEAM AHEAD AS MARINE INDUSTRY BOOMS
THE marine industry’s boom is hitting full throttle with The Boat Works to complete a $30m expansion for businesses.
Close to two-thirds of tenancies, ranging from 90sq m to 600sq m, in Stage 3 of the Coomera shipyard’s expansion have been leased. Six tenancies are available for rent.
The Boat Works general manager Shane Subichin said he expected construction of the services hub to be finished by the end of the month, paving the way for Stage 4, which involves four superyacht sheds.
Tenants already operating from the hub include stainless-steel fabrication company Choice Stainless and Stella Marine – Australia’s largest manufacturer of marine desalination solutions.
“It is boom time in the boating industry. More boats equal more jobs,” Mr Subichin said.
“COVID travel restrictions mean Aussies are holidaying at home.
Owning a boat gives them the freedom to explore the coastline and islands all over Australia.”
Mr Subichin said he had seen a “tremendous increase” in boating and boat sales, leading to a steady flow of work for the 80 tenants based at The Boat Works.
”Many are reporting a marked rise in demand and are hiring more skilled trades to keep pace.”
Stella Group CEO Gary Cooper said it was combining all its operations in one purpose-built facility.
“With our new capabilities in our machine shop and in-house naval architect heading our design department, Stella can offer ‘concept to complete’ solutions for all owners,” he said.
Mr Cooper said Stella had purchased new machinery, including a laser cutter with tube-cutting capacity.
“Our machining and production capabilities have jumped to the forefront with the opening of the new facility.”