They are at the forefront of the specialised marine engineering industry, having earned a worldwide reputation.
And Britain's largest independent ship repairer and marine engineering services provider, Burgess Marine, has announced further growth in East Anglia as the Lowestoft maritime sector booms.
Since acquiring the Small and Co shipyard on Commercial Road in Lowestoft in October 2015, the business is continuing to grow as it operates a 76.5m by 14.5m dry dock and a 70m layby berth at the site, which is in the ABP owned and operated Port of Lowestoft.
After a restructure earlier this year, the team at Burgess Marine Lowestoft has successfully grown the business in support of key customers such as Boston Putford, Fugro, Windcat Workboats, Dover Harbour Board and numerous major commercial, civil and tourist operators on the Thames.
Recently the business has completed major refit works for the UK Border Force in Malta. Currently it is supporting two significant projects - the docking of Incat 057 in Cherbourg and the launch of a 30m by 12m by 1.7m pontoon, built locally in the old Brooke Marine fabrication shed. Both of these projects are of major significance and worth around £2m of contract value.
Paul Kirby, the general manager of Burgess Marine Lowestoft, said: 'Having successfully restructured the business earlier this year it's great to see further growth locally and we are clearly benefiting by being part of the bigger Burgess Marine business.
'To have built the Thames pontoon here in Lowestoft is fantastic and furthermore the team have greatly enjoyed supporting works in both Malta and in France.'
Nicholas Warren, Burgess Marine chief executive officer, added: 'We're huge fans of the team in Lowestoft and the local customer base.
'Whilst there have been some issues regarding the transfer of the lease to Burgess Marine from Small and Co these have all been resolved, to all parties satisfaction, and both ABP and Burgess Marine are now looking forward to continuing their professional working relationship in Lowestoft and across the UK.
'We'll continue to work our hardest for the port and all our local customers.'
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