Haines Hunter to open new Marine Centre

Haines Hunter is expanding its boat-building operations with a $2m investment into a 3000 square metres aftercare facility offering everything from refurbishment and servicing, fibreglass repairs and modifications,
engine servicing, trailer sales and servicing, stainless work and
accessories, canopies and covers, to rewiring and electronic
installations.

Situated behind their existing manufacturing facility in Derrimut, Victoria, the new facility will be know as The Marine Centre.

Haines Hunter Managing Director John Haber comments said he will not be selling new Haines Hunter vessels — the current national dealer network will remain as it is with all public enquiries to be directed toward Haines Hunter dealers — but it will provide a new level after-sales service.

"Firstly it’s important to understand that The Marine Centre will not be selling Haines Hunter boats direct to the public. Our current dealer network and traditional sales process will remain as it is," he said.

"The Marine Centre is something very new that we have been planning for quite a while. We have seen a huge growth in our aftercare business over the past 12 months with customers appreciating having all the work done in one facility."

The Marine Centre will offer expertise in every facet of boat-insurance work, refurbishment and servicing, fibreglass repairs and modifications, engine servicing, trailer sales and servicing, stainless work and accessories, canopies and covers, rewiring and electronic installations. There will be various brands of marine products available and in stock.

"It’s all about providing an outstanding marine service in the one location. The facility will also allow us to assist Haines Hunter dealers with pre-rigging engines and installation of electronics," he said.

FACTORY-BACKED REFURBS
M Haber said as a boating enthusiast, he totally understand people's desire to customise and refurbish second-hand boats and that he deal with these enquiries everyday. But he wants to offer boatowners the opportunity to have their Haines Hunters restored or refurbed professionally.

"I’m often seeing inexperienced buyers spending too much money and time getting the work done and often it’s not up to standard with the structural integrity of the boat compromised.

"Our work is properly engineered and is guaranteed. What we will offer at The Marine Centre is a one-stop drop off-and-pick up scenario where the customer leaves with the boat of their dreams.

"There will be no need to travel to five different locations to have your boat ready to launch. There won’t be anything we can’t do.

"If you want to buy an old hull that’s covered in barnacles and have it completely refurbished with every bell and whistle, we can do that, or if you just want simple things like an engine service or a new transducer fitted, we can do that too.

"The Marine Centre will have the expertise and the facilities to do anything and everything in one location, and we’ll do it better. On top of this we will be selling used boats that will be refurbished and serviced by the experts at The Marine Centre," Mr Haber said.

The expansion will also provide more employment opportunities, and a great skilled workforce in the marine industry. Construction of The Marine Centre is currently underway and it opening in a matter of months.

More at Haines Hunter.