War-ravaged RIB builder Brig reignites Australian sales

Brig’s main factory in Kharkiv, less than 50km from the Russian border, was damaged last year in the opening days of Russia’s incursion, but the company has since restarted its manufacturing line in buildings that were left undamaged.

The company has since been operating under a veil of secrecy to restart its RIB production.

Sirocco Marine’s Sydney-based new-boat showroom announced last week that it had received two containers of all-new Brig RIBs that would go on display at the Sydney show.

“??After a year of forced hiatus caused by the war in Ukraine, Brig rigid inflatable boats, proudly Ukraine-made, have returned to our shores,” Sirocco Marine South said in a statement announcing the ground-breaking delivery.

“Despite the continuing turbulence in Ukraine, Brig has resumed manufacturing at their original facilities in Kharkiv.

“The world’s leading brand of RIBs, BRIG suspended production a year ago when shelling damaged one building at their headquarters and threatened the safety of their workforce.”

Before last year’s Russian invasion, Brig was making around 2500 boats a year with global sales increasing by about 20 per cent a year. In Australia, the brand was responsible for seven in every 10 new RIBs sold here.

“We enjoy a very close relationship with Brig chief executive Slava Rodionov and the management and staff at Brig,” Sirocco Marine South director Liam Ohalloran said.

“This return to trade after a year of disruption is an event to be celebrated and our Brig customers are looking forward to seeing the brand’s return at the Sydney International Boat Show.

“The resilience of the people of the Ukraine is amazing. To remain so positive under such challenging circumstances is just unfathomable. The team at Sirocco Marine stands with Ukraine,” Ohalloran said.

According to Ohalloran, more shipments of Brig RIBs are on the way to Australia.