Aquafibre Mouldings - Ceases Trading

Aquafibre Moulding shuts doors

By IBI Magazine

UK-based Aquafibre Moulding last week shut its doors after 43 years in business. The company, located at Rackheath, near Norwich, was a sister company to Broom Boats.

According to the Norwich Eastern Daily Press, Aquafibre Moulding had been reducing its staff over the last year, but the final 20 workers were made redundant last week.

The company has made hulls and moulds for its sister company, Broom Boats, but also for UK brands Fairline and Princess as well as other European boatbuilders. Broom Boats' website said that Aquafibre had a range of more than 30 hull moulds designed for specific water conditions. The company specialised in hire fleets.

Martin Broom, chairman of the group, said recent years had seen a slowing up of growth in hire fleets. That trend and the current recession had led to the decision to close the facility.

"Broom Boats at Brundall is Aquafibre's oldest customer and they are now expanding their own mould shop facilities to produce all their moulding requirements in house as well as supplying other companies," Broom told the paper. "It is very sad to see Aquafibre close after 43 years but we have to respond to the changing economic climate."

Broom could not be reached by press time for comment.



(15 May 2009)