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Transactions, Milestones and Developments

Tognum (MTU) Opens New plant in U.S.

Tognum of Friedrichshafen, Germany, is setting up a new engine assembly and manufacturing plant for Tognum’s MTU brand of diesel engines in Graniteville, South Carolina, replacing the existing assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan. The sales organization, management and the office staff of Tognum’s North American subsidiary MTU Detroit Diesel will remain in Detroit. The move provides Tognum with an international production network and the opportunity to produce engine parts in the U.S. market, develop new markets, and respond more flexibly to changing market requirements. In addition to engine assembly, the plant will be used for the manufacture of engine components such as cylinder heads, high-volume engine attachments, and fittings. It also includes the possibility of increasing production capacity. Production is scheduled to begin at the end of 2010. tognum.com

Viking is Lauded for its Post Layoff Health Services

The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) has selected the Viking Yacht Company of New Gretna, New Jersey, and its health services department for its prestigious Business Recognition Award. The AAOHN bestows the award on a business that provides research funding, supports continuing professional development and promotes occupational and environmental health issues for employees and the local community. Although Viking was forced to reduce its workforce during the economic slowdown, it continued to provide free onsite health care for all furloughed and released employees and their families. In addition, onsite counseling and Viking’s Employee Assistance Program were rewritten to include no-cost services for those who lost their insurance, along with stress management seminars to help deal with the difficulties associated with layoffs. vikingyachts.com

Seminole Marine Group Formed
and Acquires SouthWind

Paul Hoppes, president of Sailfish boats, which builds the Sailfish saltwater fishing boats, announced the formation of the Seminole Marine Group in March, “to explore opportunities in the marine and boat building industry.” Hoppes says that now is the time to pursue new products and technology, and expand his company through acquisitions. Then, Seminole Marine Group acquired SouthWind boats, (deck and sport deck boats) previously a part of Bennington Marine of Elkhart, Indiana. Company officials said that the SouthWind boats will be built at SMG’s Cairo, Georgia, facility, starting in April. “We strongly believe that marine dealers are looking for long-term relationships with solid, well-run, independent companies that offer first-class products, great customer service and immediate consumer recognition,” Hoppes said. sailfishboats.com

Northrop and Johnson
Opens Hong Kong Office

Northrop and Johnson Group announced the opening of its first Asian-based location just in time to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the year of the Tiger. Joining forces with Bart Kimman of Asia Yachting Services and Simon Pickering, Northrop and Johnson Group is now poised to offer the best luxury yachts the world has to offer to the Eastern hemisphere. ??Looking forward to the joint venture, partner Bart Kimman says, “This is truly a case of where East meets West! It is an honor and indeed a pleasure to become part of the Northrop and Johnson Worldwide Group.” njyachting.com

Denison Yacht Sales Named Exclusive
California Dealer for Dufour Yachts

Denison Yacht Sales announced its designation as the exclusive dealer in California for Dufour Yachts’ line of sailing yachts. Nereus Dastur CEO of Denison Yacht Sales’ Marina del Rey office, said, “I was very impressed with Dufour’s latest generation of yachts, and we are very enthusiastic about representing them. Their clean lines and gorgeous new styling has tremendous eye appeal.” He added that there will be a 525 available in late February and models of the 485 and 405 available mid-summer at Denison Yacht Sales’ Marina del Rey location. Dufour Yachts, based in France, won European Boat of the Year for 2010 in the family cruiser category for its 405.?dufouryachts.com

Staten Island Yacht Sales Signs on with Tiara

Tiara Yachts, a subsidiary of S2 yachts, has expanded its distribution network to include Staten Island Yacht Sales. David Slikkers, CEO of S2 Yachts says, “With our familial makeup, it’s obvious why we prefer to partner with dealers that carry the same ethic we do and we are fortunate to have found this in Staten Island Yacht Sales. With programs such as captain’s lessons, jump-start classes, electronics training, and home marina delivery, they consistently exhibit their hands-on commitment to customer satisfaction. We are honored to have Staten Island Yacht Sales as a part of the Tiara Yachts family.”
“Our mission as a successful marine dealership is to provide our customers a full complement of products and services that exceed their expectations and make their time on the water as enjoyable and memorable as possible. “We believe representing Tiara Yachts supports this mission quite well,” says Frank Bongiorno, president of Staten Island Yacht Sales. siyachts.com