Damen Group adds another French yard
The Netherlands based Damen Shipyards Group has announced that it has acquired another French shipyard, the Arno Dunkerque repair yard, the only facility of its kind in France’s third largest port.
Damen says that Arno will continue its ship repair and conversion activities, with personnel and management remaining in place. Damen now has more than 45 yards and associated companies, including the former Sobrena in Brest which it bought earlier in 2012. The company adds that the latest acquisition fits perfectly in its long term strategy for expansion.
René Berkvens, CEO, Damen Shipyards, said: “Arno brings added value to Damen as it is a modern shipyard with about 160 highly skilled workers. The presence of a significant industrial environment, consisting of nearby specialist subcontractors, is another reason.”
The Dunkirk Port Authority and Arno management are very much in favour of the move – an Arno Dunkerque spokesman acknowledged that the yard had been through a difficult period, but looked forward to a better future. He said: “The acquisition of our company by Damen is considered as a positive step for the future of our yard and personnel, opening wider perspectives for the shiprepair and conversion market.”
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