Survitec opens new UK service centre

Survival technology solutions provider Survitec has expanded its UK servicing capability with the opening of a new service centre in Southampton.

Fitted out with equipment and facilities for the servicing and repair of liferafts, lifejackets, immersion suits and other safety equipment, Survitec says the 10,000 sqft building will deliver increased capacity and faster turnaround times when meeting the needs of customers in the cruise, defence, Border Force and commercial shipping sectors.

“Our new service centre is strategically positioned in Southampton to be closer to our customers in the port – it will allow us swift access in and out of the docks to provide an enhanced service to ships,” says Iain Allan, Survitec’s Southampton-based operations manager. 

“We spent many months searching for and fitting out the right facility in Southampton. We will now have the capability to service more than 2,000 liferafts a year, with room in our new location to expand to meet customer needs.”

To meet the expected demands of the new service centre, Survitec has increased its workforce by 20 per cent.

A 3,000-litre water tank has been installed for testing liferafts and rescue boats, equipped with a davit launch frame for load testing. The centre also features a dedicated lifejacket servicing and repair area with a special platform to accommodate 151-man liferafts, a compressor for inflation and calibrated tools.

Ronnie Vettese, Survitec’s managing director, UK marine, comments: “The location of this new service centre effectively allows us to manage and build upon our offering to support our customers in the region.

“Longer term, the new facility will enable us to expand upon our customer offering and to provide fire, lifeboat and mooring equipment services.”

Earlier this year (January 2023) Survitec was recognised by a Liverpool charity for its contributions towards maritime safety.