Hundested Propeller acquires UK marine manufacturer

Propeller manufacturer Hundested Propeller has completed the acquisition of Ocean Marine Systems Ltd (OMS) in the UK, for an undisclosed sum. Dorset-based OMS is now a subsidiary of the Danish firm.

Established in 1921, Hundested Propeller supplies complete controllable pitch propulsion systems, marine gearboxes, thrusters and sail drive solutions. OMS is a specialist manufacturer of marine instrument deployment solutions, bow thrusters and hydraulic cylinders.

Hundested Propeller says the purchase of OMS will increase the thruster range available to customers, and adds OMS will continue its range of hydraulic cylinders and through-hull instrument deployment systems used in underwater security and seabed mapping applications.

The former owners of OMS, Daniel Wilson, Mark Barwell and Ian Crowden, will continue the management in the UK in close cooperation with the Hundested organisation in Denmark. Wilson has been appointed as managing director, Barwell remains as sales director, and Crowden as technical director.

“The ability to share knowledge between the two companies is an exciting opportunity for everyone. We have very complementary strengths and skills,” says Barwell.

Wilson adds: “There is already a very strong synergy and good communication between Hundested Propeller and OMS. We are firmly convinced that through this new ownership, we can give our customers the certainty and security of supply by leveraging the infrastructure and best working practices now available to us.”

“We are impressed with all we have seen, and we are very much looking forward to uniting our resources, knowledge, and competencies to provide a better propulsion offering to our customers,” comments Morten Madsen, CEO of Hundested Propeller.

Hundested Propeller is part of the BSI Group of companies, which includes BSI, Easy, GORI Propeller, Jefa Steering, Moonlight Portlights and Hatches, OYS and now OMS. The group manufactures specialist marine equipment for the sailing yacht and commercial marine market. The group provide rigging, hatches, portlights, blocks, steering systems, propulsion systems, thrusters, folding propellers, hydraulic cylinders, and through-hull instrument deployment systems through a network of worldwide service agents and service centres.