Whittley ramps up its global operations
Whittley Marine Group has transplanted its Australian headquarters as the first step in the expansion of its global marine manufacturing and distribution operations.
The move into new premises, not far from its previous Campbellfield location, is part of a program which will include significant new product offerings.
Along with the introduction of Whittley inflatables and other marine products, Australia’s largest and most awarded manufacturer of trailerable fibreglass boats is preparing to announce major new overseas manufacturing operations.
Having led the Australian industry with its American manufacturing plant, it is now expanding its global dealer network with the addition of seven new dealers in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
Whittley Co-Owner and Managing Director, Neville Whittley, said the latest moves built on the global manufacturing and marketing focus Whittley had built over the past few years.
“As an Australian company with a global focus, we have been working quietly for several years now to ensure we have the right products, the right manufacturing bases and the right distribution networks to deal with the vagaries of world markets,” he said.
“We now have a globally competitive product range, particularly with our Cruiser 2800 and 2600 flagships, the affordably priced eight-model Clearwater range and the Spyboats ski and wake boats all added in the past few years.
“At the same time we have developed our American operations in Willacoochee, Georgia, as an ideal manufacturing and distribution base for the northern hemisphere.
“Our imminent addition of a new overseas manufacturing plant will enhance our ability to deliver Whittley quality to markets throughout the world from plants that are in the right place and the right economy to move with world economic trends.
“By making Whittley quality more readily available – and by extending the quality assurance of the Whittley name to other products such as inflatables – we aim to satisfy the global demand for the boats our father first began building 56 years ago.”