Hutchwilco Extends Distribution Agreement

Hutchwilco Limited has extended its sales and service agreement with Zodiac MilPro to distribute the company’s range of military and high-end specification rigid hull inflatable boats into the New Zealand market.

The Zodiac name has been associated with innovation since 1899 and has evolved to become the world’s most known and respected manufacturers of RIBs and inflatable marine products. The Zodiac MilPro brand was established in 1990 to focus on the military and professional sectors with five dedicated production facilities in USA, Canada, Spain, UK, and Australia.

In February 2013 Zodiac MilPro was acquired by Oaktree Capital in a move that has given the company a significant advantage in the competitive market for professional and military inflatable and rigid inflatable boats. The company now develops and manufactures an unrivalled range of over 60 different inflatables, rigid inflatable's and aluminium boats that are suitable for every mission profile and all sea conditions.

Hutchwilco Operations Manager Bernard Orme says the extension of the distribution agreement is a strategic alliance between the two organisations and will allow Hutchwilco to move forward and to offer a broader range of products especially to the high-end leisure operator.

“Hutchwilco has been distributing Zodiac MilPro here in New Zealand for the last 10-years and in that time it has become the preferred military specification brand for use by the New Zealand defence force.”

“However, not only are we seeing demand for this product range from the defence force, but as the name implies, the Zodiac Hurricane range of Adventure RIBS are designed and built to go on almost any maritime expedition. With that we are seeing increased levels of enquiry from high end leisure operators who want to explore and travel fast through seas that deter others, in comfort and safety.”

“This segment of the market is growing globally. The Zodiac MilPro model range superbly caters for the high-end leisure operator who wants a tender vessel with an accent on adventure and exploration.”

Hutchwilco’s sales and service division – Wilco Marine Services, is an approved Zodiac MilPro service centre providing customers after sales service and support via in-house trained specialists.

“Not only can Hutchwilco supply a Zodiac MilPro vessel to a customer here in New Zealand, whether it be for military or high end civilian operators, but we also offer after sales support and service to craft visiting New Zealand waters through our service division Wilco Marine Services.”

Zodiac MilPro Australia General Manager Craig Jordan says he’s pleased to see the sales & service agreement between Hutchwilco and Zodiac Milpro extended.

“Hutchwilco are not only one of New Zealand’s most established marine company’s, but also one of the most respected. They have done an outstanding job positioning the Zodiac MilPro brand in New Zealand,” says Jordan.

“We are pleased to further cement the relationship and look forward to working with Hutchwilco to grow our market share in the region.”

Zodiac MilPro has more than 20,000 boats in daily use by over 80 military forces across the globe.