Dutch sloop builders merge to grow

Dutch sloop builders merge to grow
Dutch sloop construction has a solid reputation abroad. This leads to an increasing demand abroad. The competitive position of Dutch builders is threatened by suppliers from China, among others. This has already led to a merger between Maril and Makma. Now the third major supplier from Friesland has also joined this pair. Antaris merges with the other two. The new parent company will be called Aquatec Industries.

Different jacket, same content

The three brands continue to keep their own identity, but hope to benefit from each other in the field of product development and quality improvement. The brands do benefit from each other's locations. Maril has a new production location in Koudum, while Antaris has traditionally had its headquarters in Woudsend.
In this Frisian town, Antaris also has a unique sales location, with its own covered marina, to show all its boats in the water. A trial run from Woudsend is therefore quickly made. It is to be expected that all three brands will present themselves in Woudsend. The websites of all three brands already refer to the location.

The competition is always lurking

The reason for the merger is also the export. Dutch products are doing well abroad. Maril has a solid foothold in Germany, Italy and Scandinavia. Antaris has been doing well in the UK for a number of years now.
By merging, the companies only hope to expand those positions. However, the competition remains lurking. It is expected that the combination will lead to strong growth, which is achieved from the still growing sales abroad of the three separate brands.

Effects are beginning to show themselves quickly

The websites have already been aligned and the branch in Woudsend is also so good as round. On balance, it is expected that there will be no impact on personnel. Because there will be reorganizations in the long run, this means that jobs will shift. Office jobs are disappearing, while jobs are returning to the yards. The condition is, of course, that the expected growth will be achieved.
For the customers, bigger effects are expected, and these seem a lot more certain. The merger has made it possible for all three brands to strengthen their service organization. The companies can make their After sales and service (even) more professional and they want to support water sports enthusiasts all year round. Over time, the three brands will also show the effects of the merger in their product range.
The goal is continuous innovation and an attractive, extensive range of boats. We'll see if this works for the coming year 2017.

More information: antarisboats.com

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