Marine Manufacturers ride the crest of boom wave: 
In this month's search for New Zealand's most exciting companies New River researchers looked in on marine manufacturers and found a world-class industry buoyed by three years of strong growth. This market breaks down into distinct segments including pleasure craft in various size categories, racing boats, work boats, and componentry. Although not all segments have fared equally well, the general sentiment is that times have been good. The low New Zealand dollar and the America's Cup have been positive factors. However, survey respondents did suggest a recent or imminent levelling off and many expressed caution related to the current world political situation and how that might affect US buyers.

None of the top five companies derive the bulk of their sales from New Zealand - even though New Zealanders probably own more boats per head of population than anywhere else. Many of the companies paid tribute to the marine export consortium, Marex, which has been instrumental in developing overseas markets. Marine exports were $375 million in the year to March 2002, up 36% on the previous year's $275 million.

In boat-building, New Zealand's strength is in custom building, where technology and design are stretched to their limits in the search for bigger and faster boats. And componentry manufacturers boast engineering espertise that has made them world leaders.

The five most exciting players are:

Other companies short-listed were: Austral Yachts, Henleys Propellers and Marine, McMullen and Wing, New Zealand Yachts, Pachoud Motor Yachts, Salthouse Marine Group, Seafury Surface Drives, Seaquip, Southern Ocean Marine, Stabi-Craft Marine, and RMSD Chain Counters and Controllers.

© Henleys Propellers and Marine Ltd - 110 Sunnybrae Road, Glenfield, Auckland, New Zealand

Phone: +64 9 443 5886 Fax: +64 9 443 5892