Cornish boatbuilder Cockwells has bought Norfolk-based brand, Hardy Marine in a move that is set to create jobs.
Based at Mylor Creek near Falmouth, Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding makes bespoke boats – from ultra-luxurious superyacht tenders and stylish motor launches to traditional sailing yachts.
Its acquisition comes after Hardy Marine's parent company, The Windboats Group, went into administration in April. The collapse of the firm was not due to the Hardy brand, which has a healthy order book but as a result of financial difficulties and the negative impact of COVID-19.
READ MORE: {}
Cockwell say that the acquisition will result in further expansion as it gets set to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2021.
Dave Cockwell, managing director, said: “While many other companies are laying off staff as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Cockwells is proud to be employing more people.
“We have our own in-house design department as well as our own engineering capability and electronic programming. We make our own joinery; we manufacture our own components and sub-contract almost nothing. On the rare occasions that we do sub-contract, we partner with local businesses. We have a dedicated after-sales team, which is very important, and we are undergoing a transition to lean manufacturing to increase productivity and enhance our working environment. With an already successful growth strategy, an international reputation for excellence, a healthy forward order book and our acquisition of the renowned Hardy brand, we are in a very strong position to face the future with confidence.”
Cockwells, known for its luxury Duchy Motor Launches, intends to build on Hardy Marine's reputation for building all-weather motor boats.
In parallel with Cockwells’ Duchy Motor Launches, the hulls of the Hardy 26 up to the Hardy 65 are semi-displacement designed by Andrew Wolstenholme, who is among the 海角视频’s leading naval architect in this category.
Most Read
Mr Cockwell said: “Both Cockwells and Hardy are committed to building exceptional motor boats that deliver style, reliability, customisation and all the advantages that technological advances can supply.
“The Duchy is predominantly a stylish day boat and occasional weekender. The Hardy is the Duchy’s rugged, sea-faring cousin. Cockwells are often asked to build bigger boats for cruising; The Hardy is ideally suited to that market.
“We plan to build on the seakeeping and styling of the Hardy brand, and introduce Duchy-like finesse to some of the fittings to make the Hardy even more yacht.
By 2021, Cockwells will have built 32 Duchy Motor Launches since the company launched the Duchy 27 in 2011, and demand continues to outstrip supply.
Cockwells plans to chart the same course with the Hardy 32 to 65 range and increase demand for the trawler yachts.
The Duchy 35 and the Hardy 65 are past winners of Motor Boat & Yachting Awards, and both brands attract customers who seek high levels of customisation and craftsmanship.
Cockwells’ has increased its headcount from 30 to 80 staff in recent years and it has appointed Julian Weatherill from Hardy Marine as Sales Manager to ensure continuity of the brand.
Don’t miss
Mr Weatherill said: “The many synergies between Cockwells and Hardy make this a perfect match for me. I am passionate about the brand and know that this new alliance will propel it forward."
The purchase was supported by funding from Business Investment for Growth (BIG). Financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by the Cornwall Development Company, this £3.15million investment fund aims to create a total of 175 skilled jobs in Cornwall.
More South West success stories