DESIGN AND BUILD
Diversification in uncertain times
Constantly refreshing the business is a cornerstone of Steber International’s ongoing success as a leading Australian boat manufacturer. Managing Director, Alan Steber has been driving diversification and modernisation of manufacturing practices to maximise growth opportunities in these uncertain times.
Prime examples include establishing a small component assembly line; ramping up R&D into electric and hydrogen powered boats; and upgrading manufacturing and accounting software. Work on the $200,000 assembly line started earlier this year and will be fully operational early in December. Being built under the Regional Job Creation Fund program on a dollar-for-dollar basis the project will generate five full-time jobs over time. “Key projects that will use the new assembly line include the Sea Devil range of boats for Northern Beaches Marine and the Zodiac RHIB swift response craft.” Mr Steber said. “In addition the line will be used to produce small fibreglass components for our larger vessel builds.” “The aim is to improve workflow for both smaller and larger builds by introducing this new assembly line, as well allowing us to take on more contract work.” he added. Buoyed by the success in recent years of its electric hybrid program, Steber has also moved into researching hydrogen- powered boats. The initial project based on a 22ft electric /diesel hybrid was a collaborative effort involving Steber, Ampcontrol and the University
of Newcastle. Modelling has since been undertaken testing foil design and a full size 40ft hybrid vessel is now under construction to provide a further test bed. The third phase of the current business development upgrade involves the introduction of Tidy Enterprise manufacturing software, linked to a Xero accounting package. This project is helping streamline manufacturing in particular labour and material allocation on specific major builds and smaller jobs and refits. “Staff use tablets on a daily basis to log hours to specific tasks on specific projects,” said Mr Steber. “So it’s a great tool to manage workflow and improve efficiencies in a tight market.” Established in 1946 in Sydney building clinker style runabouts, the family-owned company now operates from a modern, four-acre factory complex in Taree with export success built around customisation. Over 50 vessels have been exported to date, with customers coming from Dubai, Singapore, Seychelles, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Oman and Mauritius. “We continue to look for opportunities to establish new distributorships across emerging Asian markets and the South
Pacific islands in particular.” said Mr Steber. “Steber manufactures fibreglass commercial and recreational boats ranging in size from 20ft to 65ft, offering an almost endless variety of custom fit-out options reflecting the company’s ‘can do’ attitude.” he added. Steber International is committed to sustainability and has developed business systems and operational practices that support waste minimisation, reduce energy consumption and reduce effects on the environment. As an energetic and vibrant company, Steber International will continue to open overseas doors and establish new markets. Visit steber.com.au
Images supplied courtesy of Steber International
2023 AUSTRALIAN MARINE INDUSTRY DIRECTORY | 13
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