Redbay Boats fuels growth through exports
By IBI Magazine
Northern Ireland-based Redbay Boats is reporting recent growth through a string of export sales it has made recently to Russia, Norway and the Faroe Islands. The company said in a story on 4ni.co.uk that it also has orders from Sweden and South Africa that are being negotiated. Redbay, which has been building boats in Cushendall since 1977, manufactures both fiberglass fishing boats and RIBs. Redbay has been working closely with the state agency Invest NI on R&D projects and marketing activities that it says has been key to the company's export success. "Our expertise coupled with the support of Invest NI has allowed us to incorporate lean manufacturing techniques and develop innovative new products that have delivered substantial benefits," said Tom McLaughlin, managing director of Redbay. "Our turnover is on target to increase by 70 per cent over the next three years. Exports have increased dramatically - we have already secured orders with customers in RoI, Bermuda, Norway & the Isle of Man - and by 2009, we are confident that 75 per cent of our business will be external to Northern Ireland." The company's website noted that it started building traditional wooden-clinker fishing boats in 1977, but has moved to the Fastfishers fiberglass line and Stormforce RIBs. Its boats range from 12 to 21 feet. "Our Stormforce RIB range has been both financially and critically an overwhelming success for our company," said McLaughlin. "We manufacture RIBs varying in size from 6.1 metres to our prize 11 metre version. Our base in the rugged waters of the northeast coast of Northern Ireland is perfect Ribbing territory, allowing our team to test and refine our models on a continual basis." The company recently expanded its production facilities to nearly double its previous size.
(5 April 2007)
|
