Wilmarine Exits Recreational Boating

by Wilmarine WA on 6 Nov 2008 Wilmarine, the leisure and recreational marine division of Wiltrading Pty Ltd located in Fremantle and owned by Wilh Wilhelmsen Investments has announced today that it will exit the leisure and recreational marine business.

Wilmarine is the Western Australian agent for Four Winns, Wellcraft & Worldcat Boats and also holds a dealership for Yamaha Outboards & Waverunners.

Scott Williams, General Manager of Wilmarine said that the Management and Board of Wilh Wilhelmsen Investments had undertaken a comprehensive review of our business activities in Australia and decided to reduce its exposure to the leisure marine market.

The current upheaval on the global and local financial markets, the instability of the Australian Dollar, the extreme shortage of berthing facilities in Perth, the shift in engine manufacturers distribution models and the general decline in consumer confidence with its direct impact on discretionary spending had all impacted on our short and long term outlook for this activity.

Scott Williams said: it is important to note that this decision does not impact on the current or future Wiltrading business and only effects the the leisure and recreational marine division known as Wilmarine.

Wiltrading's West Coast Manager, Rob Lynn said the commercial business is strong and continues to grow with the business model in 2009 focusing on further investment in its core activities of specialised safety services and product supply to the commercial marine, shipping and offshore industries.

Wiltrading will continue to distribute the full range of Zodiac Marine products within its current operation. Mr Lynn said the partnership with Zodiac has been running for more than 15 years and we value this relationship considerably.

Mr Williams said: the exit of Wilmarine from the leisure and recreational market will be gradual and for now it is business as normal as we sell down stock and position ourselves for a future exit. As of today, we thought it was important to all concerned to make this announcement and share our future plans. All manufacturers have been advised of our intention to exit this business activity and we are currently negotiating with several interested parties to take over all or part of our existing business and relationships.

For all enquiries in relation to Wilmarine, please contact Scott Williams, 08 9435 9002 or scott.williams(at)wilmarine.com.au