The former naval base at Portland will receive a fresh lease of life today as the new site for US boatbuilder, Hunter. UK government trade minister Richard Caborn will officially open the Dorest plant of Hunter Marine Corporation, which is a subsidiary of the giant Luhrs Marine Group. The new Portland site will be one of four Luhrs factories and the first outside the USA.

The site, which has been designed to build Hunter’s mid-range sailing cruisers as well as the Mainship 390 semi-displacement trawler yacht, will become one of the largest boatbuilding facilities in Europe. The production at the Portland facility will be destined for retail in Europe and markets in the East and Australia.

A representative from International Boat Industry will be at the opening ceremony, and will report on the events this afternoon.
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