Expansion drives jobs
Just one year after the completion of the $100 million marine infrastructure expansion that resulted in the world-class superyacht facility and marina berths, The Boat Works has ushered in Stage 3, a new services hub for marine professionals and an additional $30-million investment.
Photography by The Boat Works
15 April 2021
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The new workshop expansion is the final opportunity for marine businesses to secure tenancies in the two yards located in the Gold Coast Marine Precinct and demand is high, with over 60 percent already leased.
Construction has been spurred on due to the high demand of boats – an exponential growth triggered since opening the additional Northern yard.
This extra capacity has attracted vessels from 24 metres through to 75 metres in length, for both in- and out-of-water service, maintenance and refit requirements.
This influx combined with a surge in boat purchases has created the opportunity for more jobs.
According to The Boat Works General Manager, Shane Subichin, “It is boom time in the boating industry. More boats equal more jobs”.
“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.
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“We are seeing a tremendous increase in boating and boat sales, additional haul outs and survey inspection lifts each week.
“The 80+ tenants based on site are experiencing a steady flow of work and many are reporting a marked rise in demand and hiring more skilled trades to keep pace.”
The Boat Works undertakes more than 5,000 boat movements per year, facilitating a range of vessels regardless of the size or make.
Conveniently located in the heart of the Gold Coast Marine Precinct, it is the most advanced and highly respected marine industry destination in the Southern Hemisphere. The Gold Coast Marine Precinct is headquarters for internationally recognised brands, manufacturers, suppliers, refit and maintenance specialists, trades and services, supporting around 6,000+ jobs across the 250-hectare hub.
First to occupy the new state-of-the-art workshops will be foundation tenants who have expanded, including Choice Stainless, building on more than 30 years’ experience in stainless steel manufacturing and fabrication.
Choice Stainless continues to evolve its services in line with rising demand. Currently employing 12 staff, Choice Stainless has invested and diversified with the new laser cutter and CAD software and will soon be adding additional skilled staff to cater to client’s custom requirements and to meet the demand.
Stella Marine is another major marine business now occupying new premises. Stella is Australia’s largest manufacturer of marine desalination solutions, as well as the largest service and retrofit centre in Australia for fin stabilisation systems, providing both hydraulic and full electric solutions.
As Gary Cooper, CEO of the Stella Group explains, “Stella is bringing all of its operations under one large new purpose-built facility at The Boat Works, combining our engineering, manufacturing and distribution into one stream-lined new operation”.
“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.”
Stella has purchased a host of new machinery including a new laser cutter with tube-cutting capacity, a new CNC hydraulic-cylinder honing machine capable of honing cylinders up to 2 metres long and 200 millimetres in diameter, and a CNC mill and CNC lathe.
“Our machining and production capabilities have jumped to the forefront with the opening of the new facility,” Gary continues.
“This will extend our offer to our clients and our capabilities to develop more amazing Stella products like our swim platforms and watermakers.
Luxury Boat upholsterers and trimmers Bayline Marine Covers have taken premises and have a track record of remarkable results specialising in custom fit outs on a variety of boat brands such as Maritimo, Iliad and Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon extending through a variety of customised interior work on a range of 30–40-metre superyachts here within the Super Sheds.
Owner Stephen Copp and his experienced trimmers work closely with interior designers bringing concept ideas into stunning reality. Using top quality fabrics, such as leather and a wide range of versatile construction components.
“The new facility at The Boat Works will be a shining beacon as to what Australian companies can achieve on the world stage. We can’t wait to showcase what Australia has to offer overseas.”
Continued expansion works are in the pipeline to incorporate additional refinishing work sheds that will complement the comprehensive options within the boatyard and superyacht facility.
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