TUCKED away on Kettering’s Telford Way Industrial Estate is Cooney Marine International Ltd, recognised as the leader in stainless steel engineering for the international marine industry.
The enviable global reputation has not come overnight. The company, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has grown through major investment in its plant and equipment and ongoing development in its workforce including its prestigious on-site training academy.
The specialist skills required to use the equipment, some bespoke to Cooney, means the company is the first call for boat builders and manufacturers of super yachts when they need stainless steel fittings and deck equipment. Other commissions come from the architectural industry for projects including the new Welsh Assembly buildings and developments in the City of London.
The company was set up in landlocked Northamptonshire to enable its founders Kevin and Ann Cooney to work closely with Oundle-based Fairline Boats. Through the decades there has been growing demand for this advanced engineering and now the company’s prestigious clients include super yacht manufacturers Princess and Sunseeker.
Each client is looking for bespoke fittings which means the company, now headed up by Kevin and Ann’s son James, has had to make major investment in equipment. This includes Haas CNC turning centres and a state-of-the-art machine which can bend tubes in three-directions, which is the only one in the country capable of such precision work. Another can transform traditional round tubes into ovals which gives the company yet more opportunities to meet the specific needs of clients.
Managing Director James said: “Our major investment in our workforce and our equipment means we are the only company in the UK which has the capabilities to not only design but manufacture these high-end quality stainless steel products. We know we need to keep at the forefront of design, engineering and manufacturing so we have committed time and money to the development of our workforce to maintain our position.
“It means we can continue to supply quality, UK-manufactured products to our clients, who have the highest expectations.”
The Kettering team work closely with Cooney South based in Poole in Dorset. Since it was set up in 2015 it has become the number one marine stainless fabrication company on the south coast. Many of the commissions start with the design team to enable the prototype to be rigorously tried and tested. Then, at each stage of the manufacturing process, it is the attention to detail which ensures Cooney Marine meets expectations.
Cooney Marine’s other interests including the exclusive ownership of Simpson Davits. This company manufactures davits, which are cranes fitted to a ship, often used to suspend and lower a lifeboat or powerboat.
Sales leader Alex Dilley said: “The davits are recognised across the world for the iconic styling, quality of manufacture and supreme performance.”
To find out more see the website at www.cooneymarine.co.uk or call 01536 484481.