- Ex-F1 engineer takes helm of Salcombe-based marine specialist
- Power boats to be re-engineered from Devon base
A Devon marine engineering business is set to become a centre of excellence for the service, repair and supply of inboard and outboard engines.
Charles Fawcett, owner of the Yorkshire-based Twisted Group, acquired SMS (Salcombe) Limited for an undisclosed sum in late October, rebranding the company as Salcombe Marine Services. The move precedes the launch of Twisted Marine, the new power boat arm of the Twisted Group.
Salcombe Marine Services will remain at its base in the heart of Salcombe at Lincombe boat yard. The engineering workshop at Lincombe boat yard has a history that dates back to the early 1980s. SMS (Salcombe) was founded in 2001.
Fawcett’s vision is for Salcombe Marine Services 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 the past 12 months following its purchase of Hydrographics, a specialist dipping company, late last year.
The company will be run by Charles and new 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.
Jake, who has family in Devon, started his career in marine engineering. He will head up the existing team of six, who are staying with the company to help expand capability and grow the brand to become the cornerstone of quality in the South West marine industry and beyond.
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 existing team of six will remain with the company to help expand capability and grow the brand. They include operations and parts manager Steve Parker; senior marine engineer Gareth Stanley; marine engineer Matthew Kershaw; engineering apprentices George Carter and Callum Berridge; and accounts manager Rita Bower.
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.
Fawcett commented:
“We identified the business earlier this year and recently concluded the deal. It provides an exciting opportunity to make this well-established firm a centre of excellence for the marine industry. It also fits perfectly into our overall strategy for the Twisted Group.”
Jake 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.”