Shipyard Jongert new style signs first new order

An overseas relation placed an order for a new Jongert 24M within a month after the restart of the yard run by the new management. The sailing yacht will be completed and delivered early 2010. There is no lack of interest for these top of the line products. The present orderbook also comprising two refits and two yachts yet to be completed for shareholder VeKa signifies a flying (re)start for the yard.

Problems from the past
“Jachtwerf Jongert had a number of problems” , says a spokesman for the syndicate which took over the yard. ”The organisation had 150 employees on the payroll. This in combination with the high investments in Europe’s most modern yacht shipyard , because that is what Jongert is beyond any doubt, meant the financial burden became too heavy. Jongert ’s suppliers were reluctant to cooperate and potential customers were put off on account of Jongert ‘s weak financial reputation over the last ten years . This all led to the bankruptcy of the company.“

The take over
A syndicate consisting of the VeKa Group, Werkina Werkendam and DHVG Schiedam took over the business. Each of the three parties has its own specialism. VeKa Group is specialized in the development, construction and completion of inland craft and ocean-going vessels. Werkina is leading in the field of maritime electrotechnical engineering .DHVG invests in real estate and develops high-quality real estate projects. The new shareholders all have a very sound financial base, which is of the utmost importance for Jongert’s future. Thus it is no longer necessary to have any doubts about Jongert’s financial position now or in the future. In combination with the professional skill of the workforce and the flexibility of the costs it will constitute the base for a very successful operation.

The future
During the negotiations the present management already started up the commercial activities. Current leads were followed up leading not only to the new order but also to enquiries for refitting of yachts with a length ranging from 40 to 55 metres. There are also discussions going on with a number of potential customers for new projects.

The skill and dedication of the workforce is an all-important matter to be able to realize the present and future orders. Everything will be done to keep the highly skilled workers and craftsmen, who previously worked for Jongert. It is expected that within a not too distant future the number of people working for Jongert will exceed the 150 men who previously worked there.

Jongert has three assembly halls of 60 by 25 metres with a workable height of 18 metres. Since these halls can simply be extended up to 100 metres, there is no limitation at all for the yard within the range of the present super yachts. Furthermore there are three floors of 60 by 25 metres having a metalworking shop (including aluminium and stainless steel) an electronic workshop, a carpenter’s workshop and a spray paint workshop for the interior.

Focus on sailing yachts
Traditionally the emphasis of the shipyard will be on the development and construction of sailing yachts and this will be its main activity. Jongert has always been top of the line as far as sailing yachts are concerned . However, Jongert will not forget its customers, who sometimes desire the comfort and ease of a motor yacht. The motor yacht line is available and will be extended in addition to and not in place of the sailing yachts. Refitting will also be one of the activities.

Jachtwerf Jongert
+31 227 54 25 44
management@jongert.nl