Sunseeker going mega

Sunseeker International Limited in Poole, England, has agreed outline terms with US-based Luhrs Marine for the purchase of its Legend Yacht manufacturing facilities at Osprey Quay, Portland on the UK’s South Coast. The site will be acquired to accommodate Sunseeker International’s planned expansion with a license to use the facilities immediately, and production starting as soon as the purchase is complete.

With demand for Sunseeker motor yachts growing year on year, specifically for the larger models, the need for more waterside production space has been an important issue for Sunseeker. With further investments being made at the company’s shipyard headquarters in Poole these new facilities will allow Sunseeker to meet future demand.

Robert Braithwaite MBE, managing director and founder of Sunseeker International commented, “Osprey Quay is an ideal location for our future expansion plans, we are particularly pleased that we can continue to build the business locally. I am sure that by moving a level of production to the Portland location we will be able to build on the company’s success whilst adding to the growth of the local economy and utilising the boatbuilding skills available in the area.”

Sunseeker is the world’s largest privately-owned builder of motor yachts of this type and is the UK’s largest producer with a current staff level over 1,800. The company recently launched its largest model to date, the 37 metre tri-deck yacht, at the London International Boat Show. With a number of orders already confirmed and a new range of models over 30 metres in development, the new facilities at Portland will play an important part in meeting future deliveries.

Sunseeker is expecting production to be underway in May this year and is planning to employ up to 500 skilled staff at the 11.5 acre site over the next four years.