Leading aluminium RIB supplier Highfield Boats has released the first images of its brand new production space which steps up the company’s capacity with an additional 17,000 sq metres.
The increased footprint creates a world-class ultra-modern facility totalling 26,000 sq metres, more than three times the size of an international football pitch.
Highfield Boats has finalised its move across to the new premises, completed at the end of 2021, which boast a range of state-of-the-art production equipment and processes.
Despite the global difficulties of last year, Highfield Boats supplied 5,950 boats for both leisure and commercial use to over 48 countries and territories. Funded by £7 million of investment, the large-scale expansion will enable capacity to continue to increase, whilst providing an opportunity to implement major upgrades to the production process. The new factory floor accommodates an advanced laser cutting line, automatic powder coating line and robot welding.
The state-of-the-art laser cutting line – photo © Highfield Boats
The construction of the new factory has conformed to stringent environmental requirements with a design that has been specifically developed to lower the overall environmental impact by capturing VOC emissions, treating fumes and reclaiming and re-using powder during the powder coating process.
European Marketing Manager, Steve Harrison, comments “This huge expansion shows Highfield Boats’ firm commitment to both growth and sustainability, further cementing the company’s position as the number one RIB producer in the world.”
He continues “Here at Highfield Boats we pride ourselves on our in-house approach to production. Every process of the build schedule takes place within the walls of the new factory, from design to finishing, including our new exclusive powder coating line for our hulls, and teak flooring production.”
Highfield Boats currently has 370 employees and supports a global dealer network of more than 1000 staff.
