Bavaria Yachts - New Directions

by Jane Pares on 25 Sep 2007
The take over of Bavaria Yachts by the international private equity company Bain Capital this year, was a tremendous boost to the German yacht builders.

On a recent visit to their factory in Southern Germany, Roger Wilson of International Marine Brokers in Auckland was impressed by the very positive attitude amongst the staff since this change of ownership. Bain Capital’s thorough evaluation of the company prior to buying, produced a long list of strengths that gave them the confidence to go ahead with the purchase.

They also noted a number of areas in which they plan to concentrate their attention. Global marketing of Bavaria Yachts will be increased, with particular emphasis on the North American market. They are also fostering better relationships with their worldwide network of dealers, giving them more support and welcoming their input.

Up until now the company has been run on low overheads by a very small core staff. With the new changes under Bain, two new high powered positions have been created – Marketing Manager and Production Manager – ensuring improved communications into the future and raising Bavaria’s efficiency to another level. This development will be in place to handle the planned extension to the model ranges of both Bavaria Yachts and Bavaria Motor Boats and an expected doubling in size to the factory floor area.

A new area to accommodate work that was previously out-sourced has already been completed and all interior doors are now being made in-house. This has improved efficiency on the production line and prevents any hold-ups with outside contractors. Bavaria interiors are made of solid wood, unlike many production yachts with imitation woods or veneers, and as such maintain their quality good-looks over time. In the very near future Bavaria will be introducing new interior furnishings – more choice with upholstery colours, patterns and fabric.

Winfred Herman, the founder and previous owner of Bavaria Yachts, has been retained in an advisory capacity on the production facility, as his knowledge is extensive and he built the factory up into one of the most modern production facilities for sailing yachts in the world. Fundamental improvements in quality will be made without affecting the competitive prices that Bavaria is well known for and as robots control many of the production processes, consistency and precision are trademarks of the Bavaria brand.

Roger was fortunate to get a preview of the exciting new Bavaria 34 Cruiser and was astounded by the space both in the cockpit and down below. The innovative electronically operated boarding platform has freed-up two extra feet of space in the aft cabin as well as increasing the headroom. The first B34 is due to arrive in New Zealand early in November.