Poole's Marine Components International has landed a range of American manufactured trim tab orders from distributors and dealers serving boatyards across Europe despite coronavirus severely disrupting the industry.

MCI is stepping up to support US-based Bennett and is now acting as the sole supplier for all the manufacturer's distributors in Europe, the Middle East and Africa

MD Andy Scott said Bennett’s global headquarters in Florida is still taking orders from Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

MCI is continuing its role as Bennett's warehouse facility for those regions.

He added: “Our warehouse in Poole remains operational and is very well stocked so we are able to step up and support regional orders coming through America as well as our own office,” he said.

“The last week has seen us packing orders for Bennett’s trim tabs for distributors in Norway, France, Poland, Denmark and Holland.

"So, it’s great to see that the boatyard industry is still operating as best it can, business is still being done.

"And in the case of Bennett it has a very strong and important product range being the only company offering electric and hydraulic trim tab solutions for boats ranging from 16ft to 100 ft.

"Boatyards like this as a big benefit is that they can stick to one product, and really get to understand how to install, integrate and operate it, across a range of boat sizes.”

He said MCI has been able support its OEMs and boatyard client base with product and technical support through-out the lockdown.

And he said there is cautious optimism within the sector of a ‘V’ shaped recovery when the lockdown is eased around marinas.

"Easter is usually the time when the leisure marine industry starts to kick into action and we anticipate that hectic period will happen around May-June time as people rush back to their boats for leisure time without being in a crowded environment.”

Mr Scott said he is also lobbying Government through trade bodies such as the Society of Maritime Industries to offer more help to companies operating from premises with a rateable value up to £50,000.

He said businesses in this rateable value band, like MCI which was formed in 1990, were being offered minimal support through loan schemes.

More grants should be offered rather than just ‘cheap debt’.