Nautisme et plaisance - Chinese semi-rigid boat builder Highfield, which specialises in aluminium hulls and is distributed in France by the RCMarine group, is finalising the construction of a giant new factory covering almost 26,000m2.

Scheduled to come on stream in September, the plant will enable the Chinese manufacturer to increase its production capacity in order to strengthen its development in Europe and the United States.

The aim is to establish itself as the world leader in the sector.

Having developed over the years in the aluminium-hulled RIB dinghy market, in which it is one of the world leaders, Highfield is now looking to establish itself in the market for RIBs over 4.50m in length, again with aluminium hulls. Competition in the tender market is fierce, coming from China for entry-level products such as 3D Tender or distribution brands, and from Ukraine in particular for mid-range products, with brands such as Gala. The arrival of new tender concepts, such as the SPC 290 catamaran, could reshuffle the cards in this relatively uninnovative, commoditised market. Highfield's salvation therefore lies in RIBs over 4.50m long, models that require production capacity. The current difficulties faced by the Ukrainian market leaders as a result of the war are opening up market opportunities that Highfield is keen to seize. The only drawbacks to this growth strategy could, in the long term, lie in geopolitics and the closure of blocks, and in the short term in distribution network stock levels...