Australian boatbuilder confirms manufacturing restart following major fire

Australian fibreglass boat manufacturer Haines Hunter has confirmed that manufacturing activity at its facility will restart following a factory fire that occurred in mid-January.

In a statement, the company confirms that production is expected to recommence as early as the coming week, following an internal review of operational readiness.

The decision to resume manufacturing was taken by managing director John Haber and co-director Leanne Haber.

“It will take more than a fire to stop us moving forward. We are Haines Hunter – an iconic Australian brand, proudly supporting Australian manufacturing and the marine industry. I can’t simply walk away from that,” says John Haber.

He adds that the decision to restart production was influenced by the company’s responsibilities to employees, suppliers and the wider industry.

“There are lives and livelihoods that we must continue to support. Our staff have families, children with school fees, and mortgages to meet. Our suppliers depend on our business, and we play an integral role within the marine industry. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to keep Australian manufacturing alive.”

In the period following the fire, Haines Hunter notes that external suppliers and industry partners provided assistance, contributing to the completion of site clean-up activities and the reinstatement of equipment required for manufacturing.

The company acknowledged support from its staff, dealer network and customers while preparations were underway to resume production.

“This process has reminded us what Haines Hunter truly stands for – not only the boats we build, but the people, the legacy, and the responsibility we carry as an Australian manufacturer,” says John Haber.

According to the company, boats that were already in assembly at the time of the incident and were not affected by the fire will be completed and prepared for delivery from next week.