International refit and outfitter Aros Marine selects Southampton’s OVIC as UK HQ
An international marine company has chosen Southampton as its UK headquarters – with new jobs on the horizon.
Aros Marine, with more than 600 employees, specialises in refit and outfitting projects for cruise ships, expedition vessels, river cruise ships, ferries and yachts.
Starting up in 2009 in Lithuania with five staff, the business has since grown into a multi-million Euro turnover company, with more than 300 vessels outfitted and 55 worldwide locations.
The company has set up its UK base at Ocean Village Innovation Centre (OVIC), the serviced office provider home to nearly 40 companies.
Darren Smith, Vice President Sales, Aros Marine, explained the strategic rationale for selecting Southampton.
He said: “The UK is a key maritime hub with a strong network of shipowners, operators and shipyards, making it a strategic market for Aros Marine’s continued growth.
“Having a local presence allows us to strengthen relationships, respond faster to client needs, and expand our footprint in refit and outfitting projects across the UK and Northern Europe.”
Darren added: “Southampton is one of the UK’s busiest and most well-connected ports, with direct access to the cruise and ferry industries we serve.
“OVIC stood out as a modern, flexible base with a strong marine and innovation community, which is a great match for our ambitions and culture.
“Its location also makes it easy to reach clients across the South Coast and beyond.
“We are starting with a small but experienced team of three to five people, focusing on sales and project development. As our UK operations grow, we expect the team to expand accordingly.”
Stephen Deller, OVIC’s Centre Manager, said:
“Aros Marine discovered OVIC through the company’s local network while exploring potential bases in the Southampton area.
“After visiting and meeting the OVIC team here, it quickly became clear this was the right fit for Aros Marine, both in terms of location and the collaborative environment.”
Darren said: “The OVIC office will serve as our UK sales and business development hub.
“The team will lead client communication, tender participation and support ongoing project coordination.
“It also allows us to be more hands-on with local partnerships and new opportunities in the region.”
Aros Marine’s services include design and engineering, turnkey interior outfitting furniture, production and installation, catering equipment supply and installation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical installation.
According to industry body Maritime UK, the maritime sector contributes more than £46 billion to the UK economy and supports one million jobs; 95% of UK imports and exports in goods are moved by sea.
OVIC, which turns 15 this year, is operated by Oxford Innovation Space, which has the largest network of innovation centres across the UK and Ireland, on behalf of the building’s private owner.
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