Huge year just gets bigger for pioneer boat builder
by John Bulmer 1 May 2018 15:09 AEST
The Steber brothers - Alan, Colin and Graham © John Bulmer
2018 is destined to be one of the biggest and busiest for leading Australian boat manufacturer, Steber International.
"Without a doubt we have hit the deck running in what could arguably be the most successful year in the company's 72 year history" says General Manager, Alan Steber.
"And to top it all off we will soon start on the fourth factory expansion since decentralising to Taree in 1974, with the support of Federal and State government funding".
Highlights, with only a third of the year gone include:
- Commencement of a contract to build five naval support vessels
- Delivery of a 52ft resort vessel to the Seychelles
- Start construction on a 60ft research vessel for the Mauritius Government (largest vessel to be built by Steber)
- 34ft commercial vessel in production - expected delivery late 2018
- In the process of appointing six first year apprentices and looking to employ skilled shipwrights, carpenters and boat builders
- Visits from Federal Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne and State Minister for Roads, Maritime and Ports, Melinda Pavey
- Composites Australia conference and factory tour
- A series of boat brochure pdfs have been added to the website for those seeking technical details on discontinued and newer Steber models.
- Refits continue at a hectic pace, from small boat repairs to the larger commercial and recreational vessels.
- Insurance repairs.
- Factory tours including Probus clubs, TAFE students, schools and private visitors/clients.
In staffing news, the youngest of three brothers involved in the business, Graham Steber, is about to - chart his own course and leave the business to establish a tourism related enterprise.
While Graham is leaving the family-owned business after 31 years he will be available for technical contract support on a needs basis.
Meanwhile, Mark Facer has been promoted internally, taking on the role of production manager and Steve Yeo joins the team from Nuplex Composites as technical support and quality assurance.