TRELLEBORG signs agreement to acquire MARITIME INTERNATIONAL Inc

Trelleborg has announced, through its business area Trelleborg Offshore & Construction, that it has completed the acquisition of Maritime International, Inc., a U.S. based manufacturer that designs and produces marine fender systems and other quay wall accessories.

Richard Hepworth, President of Trelleborg’s marine systems operation, said: “We’re delighted to announce the acquisition of Maritime International, and looking forward to working closely with our new colleagues to share best practices and processes for the benefit of both businesses.

“We’re committing significant resources to our business in North America, having recently opened our new American headquarters in Berryville, Virginia. The acquisition strengthens our local presence further and reinforces Trelleborg’s leading position globally.

“There are already many synergies in the approach both companies take to safety and technology. We are both focused on design and engineering excellence, and delivering the highest quality products to our customers, through rigorous testing and aftersales service. Bringing both organizations together allows us to capitalize on the best of both companies, to further strengthen our offering for our customers.”

David LeBlanc, president at Maritime International, said: “We’ve built a strong reputation in North America, and now boosted by the financial strength of Trelleborg, we look forward to continuing to provide the excellent products and services that customers from both legacy companies have come to expect.”

Employing around 90 people, Maritime International has its head office and main manufacturing facility in Broussard, Louisiana, selling primarily into the North American market. It also has a secondary quayside fabrication yard in Port of Vermilion, Louisiana, which allows larger fabricated structures to be loaded out directly onto barges.

The company’s portfolio, which includes cone fenders, cell fenders, leg/element fenders and arch type fenders, is already well aligned to the marine systems operation’s product range. Besides fender systems, Maritime International also has the capability to design and fabricate a wide range of steel structures for the marine market.

Trelleborg’s marine systems operation already has two sites in the U.S: the recently established facility in Berryville, Virginia for manufacturing foam-based marine fenders and buoys, and a sales and business development office in Houston, Texas, U.S. The Houston facility represents the company’s local ‘feet on the ground’ presence for the global oil and gas industry.