31 March 2021
British manufacturer Oyster Yachts has announced a further investment into their production facilities with the addition of the Southampton 2508-square-metre building, Hythe Marine Park.
The Hythe Marine Park building has orbited a wide history of UK maritime production, being the former site for the production of seaplanes during WW1, a key facility for Vickers Supermarine and the maintenance base for Empire flying boats.
In 2017, Hythe Marine Park saw the production of the test boats for the 35th America’s Cup campaign and in 2020, saw the manufacturing of Alex Thompson’s 2020 Vendée Globe racing yacht.
Oyster Yachts has stated they will be moving into the historic Grade II-listed buildings, known to locals as the Admiralty Shed or the Flying Boat Hangar, and that the transition into this new premises will be overseen by newly appointed COO Peter Hamlyn.
The brand’s latest 50-foot vessel, the Oyster 495, is also currently expected to be built at the new facility.
“With several Oyster 495s already sold, investment in this dedicated production facility fits seamlessly with our growth strategy,” said Oyster’s owner and CEO Richard Hadida.
“We have great plans for Hythe Marine Park, this location is already a centre of excellence for boat building, and it is the ideal location for our expansion of Oyster.”
This announcement adds to Oyster Yachts recent expansion, including a growth of its existing facilities by 70 percent – a direction that in turn has supported the brand’s ongoing UK investment and growth strategy.
To accommodate the expansion, Oyster will be increasing its Southampton workforce by a further 70 employees.
“The Hythe facility will allow us to exploit production of the 495 in innovative new ways, combining new technology to complement our industry-leading quality and hand-finished craftsmanship for which Oyster is world-renowned,” said Hamlyn.
“This commitment is a huge boost for the local boatbuilding community, which will see further investment and job opportunities from a world-class boatbuilder like Oyster Yachts.”