Teignbridge Propellers to establish Dubai manufacturing base

U.K.-headquartered Teignbridge Propellers International plans to establish a manufacturing base in Dubai in order to support its existing operation and tap into new markets across the region and beyond.

Teignbridge Propellers, an exhibitor at Middle East Workboats 2011, manufactures and provides repair and support services for custom-made and standard propellers, along with stern gear for dhows, luxury yachts, tug boats and crew supply vessels within the commercial, leisure and military sector. It has had a Middle East presence for over 18 years – and already has an established service and repair center in Dubai.

According to Chris Stokes, General Manager, Middle East, the move to set up a manufacturing plant is a natural evolution for the company, which is investing AED 6 million into its new 10,000 square foot Al Jadaf operation. The existing sales office and repair shop will relocate and be fully operational by the end of the year, with a dedicated on-site foundry ready by the end of the first quarter of 2012.

“This is an exciting time for the industry with a wealth of opportunities in emerging market destinations. As the only company in the Middle East offering bespoke marine propulsion manufacturing capabilities, this gives us a strong head start, along with the competitive advantage of a recognized U.K. brand name which is synonymous with quality,” said Mr. Stokes.

Teignbridge is banking on securing a raft of new contracts for its new regional hub based on reduced lead-time capacity – with delivery time shortened by up to four weeks and a competitive pricing structure boosted by vastly reduced delivery costs.

“We opted to set up our manufacturing base here, rather than in low cost centers such as the Philippines and India, for a number of reasons. This is an extremely attractive destination in terms of convincing top international talent to make the move out here, and Dubai, besides being a regional hub, was also a logical destination because of its high quality infrastructure reflecting our own quality-led reputation,” added Mr. Stokes.

The company also plans to recruit locally, with a 60-strong team in place by year-end and the long-term objective of increasing staffing to 100 people as business takes off.

October 4, 2011