New results from Sunseeker International have crowned another spectacular year for the company, the largest privately-owned motoryacht manufacturer in the world. Annual sales are up to a record-breaking £240 million – an uplift of 18.5% on last year’s figures of £202 million. At the same time, the company’s operating profit has risen to £12.5 million, an increase of £7.3 million.
The company puts its success down to a simple philosophy – doing things differently. One example of this is their continual investment in the design of new models, particularly larger boats. The year saw the launch of the 37 Metre Yacht to huge acclaim. The first Yacht was built to specific international codes and has been granted an unrestricted classification, the highest for a production-built yacht. With eight orders secured, the company is extremely confident of the model’s long-term success.
Investment has also been pumped into production sites. An 11.5 acre site was acquired in March at Osprey Quay in Portland, Dorset, while further expansion is underway at New Quay Road, Poole, with the building of two new shipyards. These facilities will increase the production capabilities to meet the growing demand for models over 100 feet. To support this activity, both sites will benefit from new giant 300 tonne travel hoists.
As well as expanding its production capabilities, Sunseeker has increased its workforce to a record 2,000 employees while retaining existing skilled staff with excellent benefits packages and working conditions.
There’s also the fact that Sunseeker exports 98% of its product worldwide, which mean the company can ride economic dips in any local markets. The outstanding export success was rewarded earlier in the year by a fifth Queen’s Award for Enterprise, recognition of the hard work and commitment of the company’s staff and global dealer network.
With a full order book, the coming year looks just as promising. The forecast is in the region of £265 million, with an operating profit of £15.5 million. Sunseeker International goes from strength to strength.