West Ribs signs distribution agreement with AB Inflatables

The deal was signed off between Carl Hewer, general manager of West Ribs, with AB Inflatables president, Ivor Heyer, at his factory in Barranquilla, Columbia.

West Ribs said AB Inflatables have been manufacturing high-quality inflatables, from tenders to coastal cruisers, since 1968.

The South American company has 35 RIB models ranging from eight to 28 feet, with the entire manufacturing process, from the building of fibreglass and aluminium hulls, to the fabrication of the tubes, all done under one roof.

The inflatable tubes, said West Ribs, are manufactured from the very best Orca hypalon fabric and use Italian-made rubrails and handles that are specially manufactured for AB.

The factory was relocated from Venezuela to Columbia late in 2007. Heyer explained the decision to move the factory was a result of the political situation which made it difficult to carry out manufacturing efficiently, whereas Columbia offered low labour rates, a skilled work-force and political stability.

West Ribs said it noted Heyer's attention to detail during the Australian company's visit to the Columbian factory, where a staff force of 180 produce 3000 boats a year.

"We are proud to be representing AB's range of rigid inflatable boats here in Australia," said Hewer.

"The RIB market in Australia is growing, as are the number of importers trying to sell them. West Ribs, however, have the expertise to do their own fitout of the boats including in-house fitting of the engines, and full service and repair facilities. Indeed, we even carry out warranty repairs for other importers and have been repairing Navy RIBs for the last five years," he said.

West Ribs said it is seeking dealers and can be contacted by phoning (08) 9336 4418.