Boat builder looks to strengthen workforce as it invests in manufacturing technology

The latest technological advance in boat manufacturing has been embraced by a dynamic Norfolk Company.

Investment in the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) router, will see Goodchild Marine Services Limited streamline the process of tooling for vessels, promoting efficiency, production and energy saving.

With future growth in mind, the award-winning business in Burgh Castle, also plans to develop its skilled workforce to support its healthy order book.

Over the last few months Goodchild Marine has secured the construction of the latest in the ORC range of pilot boats, including the ORC 121 for ABP Lowestoft, the first hybrid ORC 136 pilot boat in the UK, in collaboration with The Port of London Authority and the exportation of the first ORC 171 pilot boat to Dublin Port Company.

The investment in technology and staff is part of the company’s reaction to market demand and sustainability.

The purchase of the CNC router is the next step in bringing the production of all the temporary tooling Goodchild Marine is recognised for, in-house.

Alan Goodchild, Managing Director of Goodchild Marine said: “Temporary tooling is an alternative to the more traditional glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) mould tool, and is used to provide accuracy for the individual customer’s needs. This has been a great success, so we really wanted to build upon that success by taking the next step.

“The CNC router in itself is quite common and used in lots of production circumstances where cutting the same parts over and over again is required.

“In our yard it will produce one-off components, which is fairly unique, to support us with greater speed and accuracy.

“This year is our 40^th year in business, we have a great order book and some extremely exciting projects underway, so now is a very good time to invest in this type of manufacturing technology.

“We are very fortunate to employ hugely talented engineers, laminators and boat builders, but as the workload strengthens, so does the drive for recruitment.

“Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and keep an eye in the local press for up and coming job opportunities within the company.”

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Media Contact: Produced and distributed on behalf of Goodchild Marine by TMS Media. For more information call Alan Goodchild, 01493 782301, alan.goodchild@goodchildmarine.co.uk or Louisa Lay, 01493 662929, louisa@tms-media.co.uk

Picture Caption: The new CNC Cutter in action at Goodchild Marine’s yard in Burgh Castle.

Credit – Tony Birr.