A symbolic keel laying, complete with a welded coin, took place yesterday in Germany. It marked the formal completion of the Nobiskrug takeover. It also marked the new owning company’s intention to foster close cooperation between its divisions.
Signed in July, the Nobiskrug takeover resulted after the yacht builder filed for bankruptcy protection during the spring. It cited “critical developments” in yacht construction at that time, stemming from order cancellations and the global pandemic. The Tennor Group, a German firm investing in public and private companies, made the acquisition offer through Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG). FSG, also in Germany, builds and repairs passenger vessels, ferries, Ro-Ro (Roll On Roll Off) vessels, and more.
In fact, Nobiskrug and FSG will operate under joint management and administration teams. They’ll still, however, operate in their respective locations. Nobiskrug’s yard is in Rendsburg, while FSG is in Flensburg, less than an hour away. Some cooperation will additionally result between the production departments, too, due to the geographic proximity.
Philipp Maracke (above left), the new CEO of Nobiskrug, believes “tighter relationships with our customers and suppliers” will result. Maracke also retains his role as CEO for FSG. He goes on to say, “Both shipyards have extensive know-how in the construction of specialized and technically complex vessels.”
Lars Windhorst (middle), Tennor Group’s founder and owner, says the Nobiskrug takeover suits his company’s plan, which began with acquiring FSG last year. “Our strategic goal is to achieve relevant market shares in both of these significant markets and at the same time to develop technical innovations.” He especially notes, “The progress towards zero emission is an essential topic for ship owners and shipping companies.”
Marcus Stöcken, the chairman of the Works Council (middle), additionally calls attention to how the workforce, from metal workers to administrative staff, will benefit. “For us, cooperation at eye level with the investor and the management is important.” He further points to how the Nobiskrug takeover allows the yard’s apprenticeship program to continue. Currently 16 apprentices are serving in seven different disciplines on site.
Nobiskrug nobiskrug.com
Leave a Reply