Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association (NSBA) awards
Mar 20, 2017
Although commercial work continues to dominate boatbuilding in Nova Scotia, with an ongoing boom in construction for the lobster fishing industry, two companies working mostly on the recreational side, were recognised for their efforts.
Nor’easter Boats of Blind Bay near Halifax, were awarded the Export Achievement Award for successfully developing and pursuing new export sales. They sold four of their trailerable pleasure boats to the US in 2016. Nor’Easter finishes recreational boat hulls moulded by Wedgeport Boats and owner Jens-Arne Meyer-Rahlfs reports the strong interest from south of the border is continuing in 2017.
Company Development & Growth went to Bras D’Or Boatworks for significant investment in quality systems and facilities. The company added a new, large building – capable of handling boats up to 50ft in length – and a 10-ton Brownell hydraulic road trailer to expand their boat hauling capability. See Restoration projects for some of the work they have undertaken recently.
The other award winners were:
Innovation Award went to Construction NavaleAtlantique for innovation in tooling, engineering, construction processes & materials.The company has successfully developed a line of all-composites fishing boats with a unique hull design that directs wave energy to create lift and dynamic stability. Tim Edwards, NSBA Executive Director is pictured presenting the award to JP Robichaud, Project Manager for Construction NavaleAtlantique.
Workplace Safety Award went to Greg Symonds Boatbuilders for significant investment in making the workplace healthier and safer. Recognizing recent changes to the Province’s Occupational Health & Safety requirements as explained by the NSBA at a workshop in Yarmouth, Greg Symonds and his crew acted promptly to build key safety structures and implement new safety procedures.
