AIMEX -

AIMEX SITE TOUR IN DUBAI OPENS DOORS FOR AUSTRALIAN EXPORTERS  

11 March 2010

Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) organized a day of site tours for AIMEX members who were exhibiting at the Dubai International Boat show.  A highlight of the day was a visit to Gulf Craft hosted by their COO Erwin Bamps.  Gulf Craft is the leading brand in the UAE region and the Middle East and Southeast Asia’s largest producer of fiberglass boats and yachts. At the peak of the market Gulf Craft were producing 800 vessels per year. An impressive number by anyone’s standards!

The AIMEX group spent several hours looking at the Gulf Craft boat building facility for Majestic Yachts.  The end to end process maintained by Gulf Craft means they do not use sub contractors at all but make everything themselves including furniture, flooring and even the toilet seats. 

“The strategic approach taken by Gulf Craft ensures the finished product meets the highest quality standards we pride ourselves in” stated Erwin Bamps. 

There is debate in the industry as to whether the end to end in house process is the way to go or should specialist sub contactors be used.  “There are pros and cons of both approaches” says AIMEX CEO MaryAnne Edwards.

Golf Craft admitted the market had slowed down considerably in the UAE, however, Erwin Bamps stated “Gulf Craft were holding their own due to a debt free operation and total in house production process”.  Golf Craft felt the market recovery was slowly underway but people were still cautious due to the uncertainty and insecurity brought on by the recession.  Erwin Bamps mentioned that people were also concerned when they hear the publicity pushed out by the media regarding of the number of boat builders that have closed their doors. It had taken some confidence out of the market.  Erwin Bamps himself is an impressive person and his leadership at Gulf Craft has no doubt been another factor in their success.

The visit to Gulf Craft resulted in Steve Vincent from NSW Company Austral Propellers being invited to give a presentation on both Austral and VEEM propellers to the Gulf Craft dealer’s conference the next day.  This was a huge success for Vincent who had excellent feedback from those at the conference with most following up with a visit to the Austral Propellers stand.  Several other NSW companies exhibiting at the show were also showcasing their product range to Gulf Craft an example of the work AIMEX does to ensure their members get in front of the major boat builders. 

AIMEX had also organized a visit to IMG, another recently established boat builder based in Dubai.  The General Manager of IMG Don Smith who is also the Middle East dealer for Sunseeker gave the AIMEX members a detailed walk through of his manufacturing facility.  IMG has quickly established a reputation as a producer of market leading fishing boats setting the highest standards in design performance and economy.  Don was also keen to look at the Australian equipment manufacturers with most of those on the site tour leaving behind their business cards for follow up. 

MaryAnne Edwards said “these site visits are invaluable for the Australian companies exhibiting at the show as they produce excellent contacts and real opportunities. Jeremy Spears, Spear Green Design stated “the real value in visiting these facilities was in keeping abreast of what is happening around the world, the technology being used in the production facilities, and the diversity of techniques.  This allows Australian companies to keep ahead of the game and remain competitive in today’s environment.”

AIMEX has 15 companies exhibiting at the Dubai International show which continues till Saturday.