Coast exporters crack Shanghai

With Australian product well accepted for its quality, innovation and manufacturing expertise, leading Gold Coast marine companies are among those seeking opportunities in China.

Marine Tech Industries sales manager David Goldsack, says many marine companies use cheap manufacturing in China, but the Chinese government has recently initiated a serious push for the nation to establish its own local boating industry.

“There is a large amount of opportunity for Marine Tech Industries to sell product into the Chinese market,” says Goldsack.

“It’s not the first market that people think of, but it’s a market that’s being rapidly developed at the moment. There is a huge amount of dollars being poured into boating in China and a number of companies are setting up in China to build for the Chinese – it will become a huge industry.”

Marine Tech Industries manufactures and distributes marine pedestal systems and luxury seating from its Molendinar factory and exports products to distributors in Dubai, the Netherlands and the UK.

Products are also shipped into China, including OEM parts for Clipper Motor Yachts – a Brisbane luxury boat builder whose vessels are assembled in China.

Chinese boat-builders and retailers experienced first-hand what the highly-acclaimed Gold Coast marine sector has to offer at last month’s China International Boat Show (CIBS).

Riviera, Marine Tech Industries, Aqualuma, Superior Jetties and the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show were among the Australian companies representing the nation’s marine industry at the Shanghai event.

“The China International Boat Show was a great chance to establish relationships with builders up there and we’re very pleased with the outcomes,” says Goldsack.

“We’re already sourcing product from China in some cases, doing the assembly here and then exporting back into that market. It looks like we may have secured another manufacturer to supply there but it’s still in the early stages.

“It was largely about finding out what the builders’ requirements are and how we can best fulfil those requirements.”

While insisting the Gold Coast marine sector not underestimate the potential of the Chinese export market, Goldsack says the manufacturing of Marine Tech Industries products will remain in Australia for quality assurance.