Sailboat hardware manufacturer Ronstan International has been acquired by the Wichard Group.
Wichard Group was founded in 1919 and has more than a century-long legacy in the sailing and industrial industries.
The Group includes a number of brands including Lorima, Sparcraft, Facnor, Profurl, Courant, and Peguet.
“With Ronstan becoming part of the Wichard Group, we have achieved a major milestone in the development of our strategy as a manufacturer and seller to the global marine and safety sectors,” explains Jean-Claude Ibos, president of the group. “We are now in a position to meet the needs and expectations of our customers worldwide with a comprehensive range of products and expertise.
“This strengthens the consistency of our positioning based on performance and safety.
We are all very excited about the upcoming partnerships and challenges to be met. Our new partners share our team spirit, which was essential, and I’d like to thank them.”
Manufacturing facilities
Ronstan International was founded in Australia in 1953 which is home to the company’s design and manufacturing facilities, warehousing and distribution system.
There are also manufacturing facilities in Denmark, Indonesia and sales offices and distribution facilities in the US.
The Wichard Group specialises in the design, manufacture and distribution of products for the marine OEM, aftermarket and industrial markets.
“As manufacturers, our expertise and manufacturing processes go hand in hand, as do our sales and distribution networks and the product ranges we offer to the global sailing community,” said Scot West, Ronstan MD.
“Like the other entities in the Wichard Group, Ronstan is also active in specific industrial sectors such as safety and architecture.”
With the acquisition of Ronstan, the Wichard Group now has more than 550 employees worldwide and a turnover of €100 million.
The Wichard Group is becoming the owner of Ronstan International Pty Ltd, which remains the parent company of all Ronstan Group companies.
The management of Ronstan will continue in their current positions.
