It was announced today that following the acquisition of the Starfisher shipyard in Serveira, the Beneteau Group has acquired the former Rodman Lusitania factory located in the Valença business park in Gandre. The amounts involved in the business have not yet been disclosed. It is expected to create 700 jobs and produce 1000 boats per day.
In a statement sent to O MINHO, the municipality explains that with the acquisition of the Rodman Lusitania shipyard in Walesa following the acquisition of Stafisher in Serveira, the French group will create a manufacturing center dedicated to powerboats less than 40 feet in length.
“In a very dynamic market boat ride (motor boats less than 40 feet in length), the Beneteau Group is thus continuing its industrial development and consolidation of its presence in Portugal together with its Polish and American divisions operating in these markets, ”explains Jerome de Metz, President and CEO of the company Beneteau Group, the report said.
“Ultimately, we plan to produce 1,000 boats a year at this new site with a staff of around 700,” he adds.
About ten kilometers away, the two companies Rodman Lusitania and Starfisher will be merged into the Portuguese subsidiary of the Beneteau Group called GB Portugal Lda.
The production facilities of RODMAN LUSITANIA located in Walesa cover about 60,000 m2, including 20,000 m2 of factories and warehouses. Since there has been no activity for several years, the company will resume its activity with the production of motor boats mainly for the Beneteau and Jeanneau brands.
According to the Mayor of Walesa, Jose Manuel Carpinteira, “The Walesa Business Park is today the benchmark for industrial reception in the north of Portugal / Galicia border region, and it is an investment by an international group working in the manufacturing sector. boats in the municipality – proof of that. “
José Manuel Carpinteira, quoted in the communique, also considers it “great news that the former Rodman plant has reopened and that Walesa is one of the members of this industrial center that gives rise to GB Portugal Lda. Group and who will contribute. job creation and economic dynamism of the district ”.
