south boats

South Boats IOW to close (Updated)

OnTheWight has learnt this afternoon that South Boats IOW Ltd are closing their operation on the Isle of Wight.

The boat-building company based at Medina Yard have taken the decision to close the operation on the Isle of Wight, but continue operations at the Alicat Workboats Limited site in Great Yarmouth.

OnTheWight has been told that no staff will be transferred over to Alicat.

Strong boat-building heritage
The company’s Website boasts:

South Boats has a strong heritage of boat building and repair on the Isle of Wight.

Latterly, South Boats IOW has given the company the commercial strength to expand its design portfolio and compete internationally in commercial and military and security sectors.

Our thoughts are with all affected by the closure.

Update 31 May 2018: Subsequently it’s come to light that this might become a good news story, with people working hard to keep jobs on the Island. Stay tuned.