Sunseeker International To Create 500 New Jobs

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

15 March 2007

It emerged on Wednesday that luxury yacht manufacturer, Sunseeker International has agreed outline terms with US-based Luhrs Marine for the purchase of its Legend Yacht manufacturing facilities at Osprey Quay, Portland on the UK's South Coast.

The site will be acquired to accommodate Sunseeker International's planned expansion with a licence to use the facilities immediately, and production starting as soon as the purchase is complete.

Sunseeker already employs around 1,800 staff, and as many as 500 new jobs are expected to be created over the coming four years by the expansion in Dorset.

Robert Braithwaite MBE, managing director and founder of Sunseeker International explained that:

"Osprey Quay is an ideal location for our future expansion plans, we are particularly pleased that we can continue to build the business locally. I am sure that by moving a level of production to the Portland location we will be able to build on the company's success whilst adding to the growth of the local economy and utilising the boatbuilding skills available in the area."

Sunseeker is the world's largest privately-owned builder of motor yachts of this type and is the UK's largest producer. The company recently launched its largest model to date, the 37 metre tri-deck yacht, at the London International Boat Show.

Sunseeker has worked closely with Luhrs and the South West of England Regional Development Agency (South West RDA) to secure the deal.

Luhrs' managing director, Stephen Cutsforth, announced:

"We are pleased Sunseeker has agreed to take advantage of this excellent site and skilled employee base, and will build on a solid marine footing that has been developing here - very much in line with South West RDA and Weymouth and Portland's Borough Council's vision."

Sunseeker is expecting production to be underway in May this year.

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