Great Yarmouth based boat manufacturer Alicat Workboats has been selected to be part of a prestigious exhibition to showcase UK manufacturing expertise. The exhibition, which includes major UK based manufacturers such as Airbus, Rolls Royce, and Ford, is part of a rolling programme of events to support manufacturing in the UK.
The Alicat Workboat is an innovative high specification aluminium catamaran which provides a stable working platform for a number of operations critical to the development of new off-shore wind turbines, such as dive support, environmental observation, as well as the transfer of offshore personnel.
The invitation for Alicat to be part of this exhibition, alongside some major UK household names such as Rolls Royce, marks another important step in Alicat’s journey. Established only last year as a new area of business for Great Yarmouth company Richards Dry Dock and Engineering, Alicat has invested significantly in new skills and training for its growing workforce as well as to develop its manufacturing facilities in Yarmouth. Alicat’s first vessels Gardian 1 and Gardian 2 were awarded contracts before being launched earlier this year, with further vessels in production and more charters already in place. These first vessels have had very favourable feedback from clients, particularly the ability to operate in poor weather.
General Manager Steve Thacker commented “Alicat is an excellent example of UK manufacturing; building on decades of experience to offer new innovative vessels in response to the growing market for off-shore renewables. To be selected by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills for this exhibition of UK Manufacturing is a vote of confidence in the Alicat Workboat”
Alicat Technical Consultant Simon Coote said: “We welcome the Government’s focus on supporting growth in UK manufacturing. Alicat is one example of a growing number of companies operating in marine manufacturing and related supply chains across the East of England region and the UK more broadly. This is a sector with significant potential to support jobs and growth in the UK”
Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Britain is a world leader in manufacturing but if we are to inspire future generations we must do all we can to promote UK excellence.
“As a signal of our intent we have invited world leading examples of British design, engineering and manufacture to showcase their products at the department.
“I am extremely grateful to Alicat Workboats for contributing exhibits to this event.”
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Source: alicatworkboats, December 16, 2010