Whiskey Project Group acquires Newcastle boat building facility

Defence tactical watercraft manufacturer The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG) has acquired the former factory of boat maker Moda Boats, in Newcastle.

The acquisition follows the recent establishment of its new US headquarters and manufacturing hub in Edenton, North Carolina, and acquisition of New Zealand-based KJL Sails, expanding its presence in NZ.

The Carrington, Newcastle site, which measures just over 1000 square metres, will transform from manufacturing Moda’s recreational boats to constructing watercraft for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and NSW State Emergency Services.

“We are excited to be designing and building, safer and more fit for purpose watercraft based on our Group’s extensive architectural, engineering and manufacturing expertise, whilst also supporting local jobs and continuing to expand our supply chain,” TWPG CEO Darren Schuback told Australian Defence Magazine.

“TWPG is continuing its investment in local manufacturing by growing our operations into the industrial heartland of Newcastle creating secure jobs, building local capability to connect into global supply chains and putting Australia at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.”

Earlier this year, the RAN selected The Whiskey Project Group to build two all-aluminium Landing Craft Light, as well as delivering two Multi-Mission Reconnaissance Craft to the United States Marine Corps (USMC) under a $33.8 million contract.

The Newcastle facility marks TWPG’s fourth Australian manufacturing hub, joining sites in Sydney, Yamba, and Picton, and a major increase its manufacturing capacity in the state.