Engine, gearbox and generator specialist WaterMota has celebrated 100 years of trading with two days of celebrations with guests from overseas and across the UK during which time staff were praised for their knowledge and helpfulness.
The company, based in Heathfield, started life in Kingston upon Thames producing a range of innovative engines and products including an outboard engine and a variable pitch propeller. Later after re-locating to Devon in 1939, the company developed its famous Sea Panther range.
During the last 17 years, under the leadership of Mike Beacham, the company has changed direction and currently provides engines, gearboxes, power take-offs, steering systems, sea water pumps, generating sets, custom built generating sets and power packs for the commercial industry including trip boats, ferries, multi cats, fishing vessels, pilot boats, tugs, wind farm support and all types of vessels.
The company now is exclusive distributor with Doosan Infracore, D-I Industrial, JMP Corporation and Westerbeke.
Mr Beacham explained: “The last 17 years have seen many changes at WaterMota, including moving from manufacturing to distribution, with the aid of a dedicated team of employees.
“Without the team, our centenary wouldn’t have happened - we’re very lucky to have the team we have working here, with many longstanding members of staff - one has worked for the company for 52 years and another for 31 years and without their contribution, WaterMota would not be where it is today.
“We have great relationships with both our suppliers and our dealer network, witnessed by the fact that so many took the trouble to come to our birthday celebrations with overseas guests from Romania, Korea, the Netherlands, Belgium and USA and across the UK. I was extremely pleased to see so many guests and everyone seemed to have a really good time. Again, the team helped out with organising the celebrations and I’d like to thank everyone who helped out.”
Frans Heuvelman, Managing Director of Brinkmann and Niemeijer, was particularly impressed with the milestone and the celebrations which included an open day at the works complete with jazz band, hog roast, fish and chips and ice cream van, followed by a scenic tour of Dartmoor, a gala dinner for more than 90 guests and a boat and steam railway ride.
He said: “A centenary really is something to celebrate. I got introduced to WaterMota by Mike Beacham – I’ve known Mike for many years and he has done a fantastic job.
“There’s a big difference in the way the company is now run and operated. The company was going through a difficult period when Mike took it on – the market was changing and WaterMota had to look for new products. It had to change from the old fashioned organisation of the past.
“Mike knows a lot of people and has a lot of energy. He’s been tremendously involved in the company and his tremendous drive makes it all happen.
“He is the leader of the company and has a great team – people work for many years with WaterMota and stay a long time, testament to what a good company it is to work for. WaterMota has a great name and a great future.”
Mike Brackenbury of BBMS Swanick, found the event extremely enjoyable. His company signed up to be a dealer for the Hyundai SeasAll range last year and has so far bought four of the engines.
He explained: “We were looking for a replacement for the Yamaha diesels we used to install and came across the Hyundai Seasall at Seawork in 2010 and liked the look of it.
“We got on well with Mike and the WaterMota team and bought one there and then. We’re very pleased with the Hyundai engines and have installed one in our demo boat, a Coastworker 21 and have been very impressed with the performance and the economy and everything about it. We recommend Hyundai for all our Coastworker boats because of the power to weight ratio.”
Jim Mair, Technical Manager of Meercat Work Boats, added: “We’ve had a relationship with WaterMota for about five years and have just ordered our 26th Doosan engine.
“We’ve never had any problems, they are very reliable commercial engines and perfectly suited to our boats. The staff give great service and we enjoy dealing with them. We’re thrilled to be part of celebrations marking WaterMota’s 100th anniversary, it’s a fantastic occasion. Long may our relationship continue.”
