23 June 2006

There has been further confirmation of the world leading capability of New Zealand’s marine industry with superyacht construction company Alloy Yachts taking honours at the yachting fraternity’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Alloy received the supreme accolade at the World Superyacht Awards, held in Venice in April, with its 40-metre motor yacht “Ad Lib” being judged the world’s best superyacht in its class.

The inaugural Awards, which will become an annual event, are a means of recognising the talent and innovation that goes into designing, engineering and constructing the world’s most exceptional yachts. The judging panel is made up of independent industry professionals who look at quality, innovation, ease of operation, fulfilment of purpose and ecological impact.

“This is an important win for New Zealand,” says Heta Hudson, a Business Development Consultant for Investment New Zealand.

“Alloy’s achievement illustrates the innovation and commitment to quality that makes New Zealand’s marine industry highly respected and sought after. Our marine sector continues to grow strongly on the back of the success of companies like Alloy Yachts.”

Based in Auckland, Alloy Yachts is an icon of New Zealand’s marine industry. They are also the market leader in the production of superyachts exceeding 30 metres and have received a host of international boat building awards along the way.

The company launched its first superyacht in 1985 and has grown steadily since then to a business that employs 300 staff, including 50 apprentices, at a dedicated boat building complex in Henderson, Auckland. Alloy currently has two 52-metre superyachts, a 41-metre motoryacht and a 34-metre expedition style motoryacht under construction.

Like many of New Zealand’s most successful marine companies, most of Alloy’s staff are competent sailors with a genuine passion for the sport.

Managing Director Tony Hambrook, who has been with Alloy since its early days, built his own 16-metre steel ketch in the 1970s and has completed two extended cruises covering over 65 thousand kilometres. He still enjoys recreational sailing.

Alloy develops and builds its own custom components. It uses almost no sub-contractors to ensure quality control and on-time delivery over every aspect of the projects.

Comments Mr Hudson: "Pushing the boundaries and figuring out innovative ways of doing things is a hallmark of New Zealand boat building companies, and it ensures them in a place among the best in the world."

“New Zealand’s marine industry has much to offer international investors looking to secure robust competitive advantages,” says Mr Hudson.

New Zealand is internationally competitive in manufacturing products that demand strong innovation – from research and development to design and testing, and the protection of intellectual property.

“The marine industry is a growing niche manufacturing sector that has built a global reputation over the last decade,” says Mr Hudson.

Particular strengths include New Zealand’s reputation for innovation, skill, quality of work and boat performance.

There is a long tradition in the industry of producing vessels that reflect the vision of their owners and designers, who are supported by an array of specialists working together to integrate all components, such as marine facilities, suppliers and infrastructure.

For more information on New Zealand’s marine industry visit:

www.nzmarine.com or email heta.hudson@investmentnz.govt.nz