Twisted Group founder Charles Fawcett is expanding into the powerboat engineering market with the purchase of a marine services company.
Fawcett acquired Devon-based SMS (Salcombe) Limited for an undisclosed sum at the beginning of November and rebranded it as Salcombe Marine. The move precedes the highly anticipated launch of Twisted Marine, the new power boat arm of the Twisted Group.
The intention is for SMS to become a centre of excellence for the service, repair and supply of inboard and outboard engines from a select range of manufacturers.
The deal marks Twisted’s second acquisition in the past 12 months following the purchase of Hydrographics, a specialist dipping company, late last year.
The company will be run by Fawcett and MD Jake Cronk, a fully qualified marine engineer and member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineer who holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. He joined the business on November 2nd, having recently worked with the Mercedes AMG Formula 1 and Formula E teams.
The existing team of six will remain with the company to help expand capability and grow the brand. The company is an authorised main dealer for Volvo Penta, Yanmar and Honda Marine and there are plans to develop these dealership links to support customers in the South West and beyond, with Salcombe Marine Services becoming a byword for marine engineering excellence.
Significant investment will be made into both the existing facilities and staff development as well as branding. Current services that will be built on and improved are:
- Marine engineering service, repair and installation;
- Advanced engine diagnostics;
- Small craft supply;
- National and international part supply;
- Small craft storage, launch and recovery services, including hassle-free boat care packages.
The purchase precedes the creation in Salcombe of Twisted Marine. Full details of the venture will be revealed closer to the launch date early next year.
SMS (Salcombe) Limited was founded in 2002 but there has been a workshop at the base in Lincombe Boat Yard since the early 1980s.
Fawcett commented: “We identified the business earlier this year and recently concluded the deal. It provides an exciting opportunity to make this well-established business a centre of excellence for the marine industry. It also fits perfectly into our overall strategy for the Twisted Group.”
Cronk added: “My engineering foundations were built in the marine industry so I have always had a keen interest in the sector. Also, for me Devon is where my family lives so the area is a significant factor – Salcombe is a very idyllic location.”
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