HRP acquisition boosts ZF in workboat market

HRP will continue in business as ZF Marine HRP within the ZF Marine Group, whose strategic goal is expanding its range of products for complete

marine propulsion systems

. HRP produces a wide range of steerable thrusters, which include well mounted thrusters, retractable thrusters, tunnel thrusters and controls, available in fixed pitch, CP and CRP versions. HRP enjoyed another successful year in 2008 and currently has some 250 employees worldwide.

HRP, in the thruster market since 1973, designs and produces a wide range of steerable thrusters for all types of applications throughout the marine industry. Most of the workforce is located in Europe, with headquarters in Krimpen, the Netherlands. HRP also has offices and facilities in Asia, North America, South America and Middle East. Around 30% of turnover last year was in Europe, with 50% in Asia.

Roland Heil, ZF Marine’s CEO said, ‘With the addition of the new ZF Marine HRP company, we are now able to offer competence in the field of steerable thruster technology. We can swiftly apply HRP’s extensive propulsion know how for our future growth in the commercial craft market segment.’

Henk Terlouw and Jan Offerman, managing directors of HRP added, ‘This transaction has great strategic value as it will allow HRP to expand its current customer base. ZF Marine will bring substantial additional resources for future growth in all of HRP’s product segments. There are many opportunities for incorporating HRP’s products successfully into the already broad range of ZF Marine products.’