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05 Apr 2006  -  Australia

Quickstep acquires specialty boat builder in new manufacturing venture

Advanced materials group Quickstep will take on a new manufacturing venture using its revolutionary composites technology, the Quickstep Process, after reaching agreement to purchase the business of Western Australian-based specialty boat-builder, Flatout Boats, the designer and manufacturer of an innovative “folding” boat.

For Quickstep, the acquisition represents another important step in the commercialisation of its flat panel business and will utilise a high-performance fibreglass-reinforced thermoplastic composite material offering extraordinary impact resistance combined with light weight at very competitive costs.

Designed by boat builder Gavin Ager in 1999, the “Flatout Boat” is believed to be the first “rigid” folding boat available in the world market. The boat utilises new technology incorporating a unique patented geometry which enables the front to bend upward to form the shape of a conventional bow as it is being opened from a flat position.

Currently available in lengths of 3.3m, 3m or 2.4m boat, with the ability to accommodate up to an 8 horsepower outboard motor (depending on the configuration), the entire boat folds down to a 10cm thickness by 62cm width carry-bag size, and can be fully assembled within 3 minutes. It is currently manufactured using 4 premium grade composite panels made using resin infusion, giving it great strength, light weight (about 48kg) and excellent stability on the water.

Quickstep’s Managing Director, Nick Noble, said the Company intended to significantly expand production of Flatout Boats, initially establishing a commercial manufacturing facility in Perth with a Quickstep QS20TP production machine to produce panels using the thermoplastic composite material.

“The application of our patented manufacturing process, with its rapid heat transfer and highly accurate temperature control, delivers light-weight, cost effective thermoplastic composite panels that further enhance this unique product, unlocking significant competitive advantages for Flatout Boats and establishing the basis for a strong new growth business in world markets,” Mr Noble said.

“The application of the Quickstep Process to the unique patented Flatout Boat design brings a new manufacturing technology to the business that will enable Flatout Boats to be produced more rapidly and more cost effectively, delivering a significantly enhanced end-product that is stronger and tougher,” he added.

Source : Quickstep