Southern Spars announces new management team for Rig Pro International

Southern Spars RigPro facility in Auckland’s Halsey Street Southern Spars

Des Davis © Southern Spars

Both Davis and McPherson are extremely passionate sailors and have a wealth of experience in the yachting industry that will see them take Rig Pro from strength to strength. The duo is committed to continuing to grow the existing market share and reputation of the global Rig Pro network.

Having worked for Rig Pro International for over a year, Davis will now oversee every aspect of the Rig Pro International operation, managing the Rig Pro International team with efficiency and ensuring a smooth experience for customers. Hailing from the South Island of New Zealand Davis cites sailing as his true passion, and also rebuilds classic yachts in his spare time. 'I am looking forward to leading Rig Pro International to being the ultimate solution to all things above the deck,' he says.

Customer service is a passion and in his time at Rig Pro International to date Davis has been focused on growing the business into a more customer focused service network with the introduction of the Infusion management system. 'The Infusion system has increased the customer service by better database management, financial tracking and pricing, which in turn has allowed for better planned lead times and customer management', he says. 'I am confident with the support of Gavin and Southern Spars that we can manage emergency work, planned warranty work, rebuilds, change outs, design and manufacture far more efficiently than we have done so in the past'.

Supporting Davis in his role, McPherson’s main remit will be to manage the planned and emergency work for Rig Pro International customers, facilitating co-ordination between the customer and Southern Spars and Rig Pro International teams. A background in engineering and sailing, together with extensive knowledge of the products and how they are used and abused places him in good stead for this role.

Gavin McPherson © Southern Spars

Having learned to sail in Tauranga, McPherson began his sailing career racing One Design models, before progressing to working with some of the world’s most prestigious yachts and marine companies, including a stint as boat captain on Alpha Romeo II.

'I have always seen Southern Spars as a great company with excellent products and I am delighted to be a part of it and help make a great company greater,' he says. 'My goal is to help build the service department into a recognised and integral part of the Southern Spars brand, providing the best mast solutions in the world as a whole.' McPherson says his long-term focus is to continually increase the high efficiency and effectiveness of the company to make it easier for staff and customers to achieve the best solutions.

Rig Pro Auckland
A division of Southern Spars, Rig Pro International provides a comprehensive mobile refit and repair service for all yachts and rigs with service points in New Zealand, South Africa, the USA and Spain. The team regularly work with some of the world’s most spectacular yachts. An impressive new base in the heart of Auckland’s marine district has meant invaluable increased capacity and waterfront access for the Rig Pro NZ team

About Southern Spars

Southern Spars specialises in the design and construction of carbon fibre spars and components, rigging, and rig servicing.

As the industry pioneer, Southern Spars built its first carbon spar in 1990. Since then the company has pursued a passion for delivering world class cruising and racing spars, carbon rigging and service.

Its operation extends to all corners of the world with centres in the USA, Denmark, Spain, Sri Lanka and South Africa, and headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand. Southern Spars employs more than 350 staff worldwide.

Southern Spars is backed by the international North Technology Group, a company renowned for investing in leading technology companies. www.southernspars.com