12 January 2012
Scorpion Ribs designs and builds RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) and have been doing so, in Lymington since the business started in 1996.
Unusually for this type of boat, Scorpion builds the entire boat from scratch in Lymington. Until this year, this was being done over four sites but the company has recently moved its entire production to one facility in Ampress Park, which is being formally opened on January 11th 2012.
Scorpion uses its own designs and, for a small business, has built an outstanding reputation. Scorpions hold most of the recognised endurance records, including Around Britain, Around the British Isles and London to Monte Carlo. Scorpions were developed to deal with the ever changing weather and tides found of the South Coast and are best known for their dry comfortable ride, abilities in all weathers and build quality. Scorpion owners have used the boats for regular trips across to France and the Channel Islands as well as longer passages to Africa, Scandinavia and the Arctic.
In 2008, the company was bought by Patrick Byrne, who had been involved as a customer with the business since the nineties.
“Taking on the business in these difficult markets remains a challenge, but we have invested in our design and development team, our marketing activity, staff training (introducing an apprentice scheme two years ago), and now streamlining our production with this new facility at Ampress Park. We have a global outlook on marketing and are constantly developing export markets to continue strong sales of our boats.”
Scorpion has expanded its sales worldwide and aims to export 70% of its production. It currently has three specially commission tenders for Super Yachts in construction and later this month the company will be showing three of its new models at the Dusseldorf Boat show, which is the largest show in Europe.
“Lymington and the New Forest is gaining a reputation as an area for marine design excellent and we are keen to stay in the area and try to contribute to that reputation,” says Kevin Hunt, production director of Scorpion.
The new facility will allow for better quality control, improved efficiency, and the potential to double production to nearly 50 boats a year. The company has 29 staff members and three apprentices and expects to grow its work force.
Scorpion has developed a world-class reputation for design and build in the RIB market and leads that market by innovation, quality and excellence.
