Sunseeker International (Sunseeker) is pleased to announce that it is preparing to reopen full production imminently. The company has been working very closely with various government bodies, local authorities and British Marine in order to listen, learn and implement safe working practices.
A great deal of work is taking place to prepare the business for a welcome phased return to ‘normal’ business although understandably, this will take several weeks as we align and synchronise the various teams.
Although re-starting the business is complex, the various management teams have developed a cohesive plan to bring as many employees back in a safe, controlled manner that safeguards themselves, colleagues, suppliers and visitors. Fundamentally, individuals will continue to social distance with strict rules on how employees can work in certain on board spaces. Hygiene remains of paramount importance with a vigorous cleaning regime in place and PPE will be issued to employees as appropriate.
As well as ongoing cleaning and protection, finished boats will upon completion be ‘deep-cleaned’ and certified prior to handover.
Sunseeker’s new model development programme has continued remotely during the last few weeks with the design and engineering teams now returning and eager to deliver the multiple new models previously announced including the all-new Ocean Club Ninety, helping to double the range to 22 models.
Meanwhile, a strategic review of the company has been ongoing for a number of weeks in order to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to our business.
Like the vast majority of manufacturing businesses globally, the inability of Sunseeker to conduct ‘normal’ business was not unexpected. Protecting our workforce, suppliers and customers by implementing a controlled temporary shut-down was the right thing to do in line with HM Government advice.
Looking to the future, and consistent with many other businesses, Sunseeker must adapt to ensure it continues to manufacture in Dorset, delivering on its substantial new model development programme and employing as many people as possible, here in the local community.
To achieve this, we must remain competitive and rebalance the business for the next 12 months to match our production output. Regrettably, around 460 employees from across the business could be affected. The total number represents 20% of the workforce and we will now enter in to a formal consultation process with our employees to consider the proposals.
The company is immensely proud to be part of the local community, the skilled and talented people it employs, its world-class supply chain and its loyal customers worldwide. We are committed to design, engineer and manufacture world-class boats for another 50 years here in Dorset but we must adjust quickly in order to weather the current challenges. We extend our thanks to everyone for their support and understanding at this time.
Andrea Frabetti, CEO commented “We will be resuming full production over the next few weeks subject to guidance from HM Government. We are in a strong position to resume our substantial new model development programme, manufacturing and deliveries as soon as possible in a safe, controlled manner. We are immensely proud of our role both within the local community and in support of British exports; now is the time to redouble our efforts and support the country back to prosperity”