BERRYVILLE, Va.—Trelleborg Marine Systems plans to open a new foam-based marine fenders and buoys manufacturing facility in Berryville.
As part of its plans Trelleborg will relocate all existing employees at its existing facility in Clear Brook, Va., to the new, 45,000-sq.-ft. facility, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The facility also will include an additional 9,000 square feet devoted to the sales and business development office.
“At Trelleborg's marine systems operation, our customer focused approach ensures that we are continuously looking for ways to improve our offering,” Richard Hepworth, president of Trelleborg Marine Systems, said in a statement. “It is essential that we are best placed to meet ever-growing customer demands, both in terms of capacity and developing innovative, cost-effective solutions that enhance safety, and improve efficiency and performance in demanding marine environments.”
Trelleborg said it will be investing in new, advanced polyurethane spraying and foam winding equipment, which it said will further increase production efficiencies.
The facility will house a state-of-the-art, high speed test rig capable of testing both full size rubber and foam fenders in accordance with PIANC guidelines.
“Testing is critical to ensuring our portfolio remains at the leading edge,” Hepworth said. “To complement our world leading materials testing program, we're adding full scale testing facilities which will ensure products perform above and beyond customer expectations.
“Whilst our Clear Brook facility has served us well, the market is evolving rapidly, and our commitment to quality means we need to keep pace through truly cutting edge capabilities.”
Trelleborg Marine Systems recently has opened a new regional sales office in Houston, joining staff from Trelleborg's offshore operation. The Houston office will serve the local U.S. and Gulf of Mexico region across all five product areas of Trelleborg's marine operations: marine fender systems; oil & gas transfer technology, vessel technology; docking and mooring; and marine products. The office will offer business development support to global projects requiring assistance within the region.
The new manufacturing facility in Berryville and the new Houston office will be supported by the engineering and design center of excellence in Ahmedabad, India.