Leading Italian marine equipment manufacturer Quick Group presented a very clear message at its press conference held at Metstrade 2024 late last week. The message highlighted that the group is focused on further corporate growth, expansion in the US market, upgrades to European manufacturing capacity and its strong commitment to sustainability.
In respect of the US market, Quick Group acquired the Florida-based YMS (Yachting Marine Service) which it was said: “has been a major step as it has a strong presence in the marine market and it is becoming Quick Group’s key service hub in the US. Linking to this is the relocation of Quick Group’s US base from Baltimore to Fort Lauderdale.
Quick Group’s CEO Michele Marzucco said: “We are about to inaugurate a new showroom in Fort Lauderdale aiming to further strengthen our presence in the US and get closer to our customers. Additionally in early 2025, we plan to relocate all operational activities currently based in Baltimore to Fort Lauderdale”.
“This strategic move for the US market,” he added, “will take place in a facility that is 30% larger than the current one.” Furthermore, Quick Group now has a contract as a supplier of choice for the ABA, a recognition of quality and reliability of our work.
As regards corporate expansion Marzucco told The International Yachting Media: “Our expansion will continue, supported by our investors with further acquisitions. We are currently negotiating on a number of new purchases which may not all be completed but will see Quick grow more.”
While sustainability is a key policy being addressed across the whole group, it is closely linked with the upgrade of manufacturing capacity in Europe. In 2024 integrating the previous acquisitions of Sanguineti, Nemo and Xenta, has Marzucco commented: “has been a significant step in expanding our offering and enhancing internal synergies.”
Sanguineti has a new headquarters set up at Casarza Ligure which Marzucco said: “The new site has been designed to optimize energy consumption, reduce emissions and adopt sustainable solutions. Our commitment to R&D has introduced several innovations including Vistamore portholes. Airlock pantograph doors and Riviera anchoring systems.”
He explained: “A complete reorganisation of the commercial division for the OEM and Retail has been led by Andreas Karlsen, CCO of the group. The cross-brand sales network has proven the value of synergies driving key achievements.”
Talking about Quick’s sustainability commitment, Marco Rodi, Chief Operating & Sustainability Officer said: “The beating heart of our strategy and vision is to reinforce our position as a sustainability leader in the nautical sector.”
In 2024 a number of steps have been taken and more are planned for 2025. Quick Group foresees its overall emissions to fall in 2025 following the decreases in 2023 and 2024 respectively of 12.5% and 6%. Also the group aims to transition to electricity that is 100% generated by renewable sources with guarantee of origin certificates.
Rodi described the new Sanguineti facility in Casarza Ligure as ‘a tangible example of our commitment. This plant was designed to optimize energy consumption and reduce emissions, incorporating innovative solutions that enhance both operational and production efficiency.
As part of its sustainability actions, Quick plans to extend the ISO 9001 certification to all group companies within 2025 and complete the process for ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications in 2026. Also it plans to align with international standards including ISO 14064 and ISO 14067 for calculating the life cycle impact of our products.
Quick Group places an importance on the standards not just as formal recognition but a firm commitment to responsible environmental management and worker safety. Also the group aims to minimize waste and promote the re-use and recycling of renewable resources.
Another key part of Quick’s plans seen as ‘a crucial element of our strategy is engaging with our suppliers.’ It wants to help make the whole supply chain more sustainable by encouraging suppliers to obtain environmental certifications and adopt more responsible practices.
The group sees sustainability as not only being environmental but also social. In 2024 the group enhanced its commitment to inclusion and diversity by implementing a new policy to ensure equal opportunities and a discrimination-free work environment.
“For 2025,” Rodi indicated, “the aim is to extend the measurement of our carbon footprint to new product ranges, analysing their entire life cycle to identify further areas for improvement. In conclusion, developing a robust ESG programme goes beyond regulations. It is an ethical and strategic imperative: a value generation matter.“
