ABYC signs up PRC companies

by IBI Magazine/Michael Verdon on 29 Jun 2005 The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announced today that it had signed up four new companies from the People's Republic of China.

A release noted that ABYC president Skip Burdon made a presentation at the Shanghai International Boat Show and Forum to over 100 attendees, and that four Chinese members have joined ABYC since then. The four companies include Silver Marine International, Shanghai Mercury Consulting, Sunbird Yachts/Padden Creek Marine and Genuine Marine Ltd.

'As U.S. boat, marine accessory and sub-component manufacturers use product produced throughout Asia, their Asian partners need to understand, comply with and build to industry standards,' said Burdon in a release.

Burdon said that his association's continued growth in the international field makes him 'optimistic' concerning marine safety and the leveling of the competitive playing field.

He also noted that Asia's recent economic boom is 'contributing a marked interest' in recreational products.

'These new consumers are hungry for American and European branded marine products because of their quality and reliability,' Burdon said. 'ABYC membership for foreign manufacturers will ultimately result in increased safety for boaters in the United States and around the world because product will be produced using a industry accepted, consensus based, standards development process.'

He added that international standards would also 'minimize unauthorized replication of industry recognized branded product.'