Yard Focus: KaiserWerft to reposition itself in the superyacht market The German shipyard KaiserWerft has in the past produced a number of yachts including the 40.6m Catwalk (2006), the 31m C'est la Vie (2004) and the 40.6m Cloud 9 (2007). Following the onset of the economic crisis, however clients cancelled their orders placed at the shipyard which saw the yard enter into a difficult and shaky period where its future was uncertain. Now, however, with new investors the yard has a new lease of life. The yard's presence this week at the Boot Düsseldorf demonstrates their long term commitment to the market. As part of the plan moving forward a construction facility was acquired in Antalya, Turkey, as well as the purchase of new machinery and inventory. As a result the production area now available to the yard has grown from 4,000m2 to 33,000m2, no small leap. Whereas in the past the yachts procuced ranged from 30metres to 40.6metres the intention now is to produce yachts up to 65m, with the size increase reflecting the increase of yard space available. The yard intend to continue producing yachts that reflect the excellence of German production, with all parts of the yachts in construction to be built or bought in Germany, with the exception of the larger complete units such as engines. With their ability to build in light-, superlight-, steel- and aluminium-construction, as well as semi-custom projects, the yard hope that they will be able to appeal to a wide range of clients. Despite a difficult year one would hope that with new investment, and 20 years of yacht building experience behind them, the yard will be able to look forward with optimism. KaiserWerft say that with their new financing they will now be able to "introduce and speed up new production, to support clients and dealers and to develop new sales channels.", stating that they will avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. Also on the agenda of the yard's new owners is increased co-operation with internationally renowned superyacht designers in order to develop a new range of sail and motoryachts. Kaiserwerft GMBH, Haffenstrass 34, 93342 Saal/Donau, Germany. Tel: +49 9441 17 444 93 http://www.kaiserwerft.com/ ***
