Avante Group 'inflate'

Avante said it has teamed with Gemini Inflatables Pty Ltd to establish Caribe as a truly national brand. Caribe Inflatables, it said, have been available in Australia for the past three years and is a world-renowned brand name.

Dave Philp, general manager of the Avante Group, said it was a natural move for the group to be able to offer a high-end, rigid hull inflatable boat.

In deciding to include Caribe, Avante said it recognised that the international popularity of RIBs is now hitting Australia and securing Caribe was important to Avante clientele who require a premium product.

"RIBs are everywhere in Europe and the US, and it is only a matter of time that the market in Australia follows suit," said Philp.

"We decided it was time to make a move now. Our research shows there is only a few companies that we should be involved with and after initial discussions, it was clear that the experience and knowledge that Gemini have is second to none throughout Australia," he said.

With more than 20 years of experience in inflatable boats, Greg James, director of Gemini Inflatables, said he was delighted to be involved with Avante.

"As RIBs become more popular, it is imperative we keep ourselves at the top of our game," said James.

"With Avante we can do that and it is clear that the Avante Group have brought a new vision to the way business is done in the marine industry in Australia.

"It is great to be on board with them. We have undertaken a full education training scheme for the Avante staff and as we roll out the brand throughout the group, we will make ourselves available for whatever is required to ensure the public receive the right advice about inflatable boats," James said.

The Caribe fleet ranges from small open craft to large luxury RIBs (up to 10m in length) while boasting a variety of prestige tenders as well as open boats for the sports lover, said Gemini Inflatables.

Gemini Inflatables said its name has been a member of the Gold Coast boating fraternity for 15 years. During this time the group said it has grown considerably and now encompasses premium brands including Caribe and Aurora under the Global Force Marine flagship name.

Gemini Inflatables said Global Force Marine products are used for a multitude of applications in service all over the world by military, commercial, defence and rescue Services. These include police forces, DERA, petroleum companies, navy and army, sail training support companies, the United Nations, Surf Life Saving and SES, harbour support, offshore rescue duties, water taxis, plus many more.

For further information, phone (07) 5573 7265, fax (07) 5573 7834 or visit www.gemini-inflatables.com