A HAMPSHIRE boatbuilder is celebrating the opening of a new factory that will enable it to double production and take on more staff.

Scorpion RIBs was previously operating from four different buildings in the Lymington area but has moved all its production facilities to single complex.

Its decision to rent a vacant unit at Ampress Park in Southampton Road, Lymington, represents a £1m investment in the future of the company.

Scorpion RIBs already employs 29 people and is planning to increase its workforce by ten per cent to meet export orders.

Managing director Patrick Byrne said: “We are proud to have our own research and design team, laminators, tube makers and finishers based in this superb new faclity.

“We have invested in our design and development team, our marketing activity and our staff training, including the introduction of an apprentice scheme.

“We have a global outlook on marketing and are constantly developing export markets to continue strong sales of our boats.

“Our Ampress facility will allow us to expand and develop these markets more efficiently. We anticipate increasing our workforce by ten per cent.”

Production director Kevin Hunt added: “Lymington and New Forest are gaining a reputation as an area for marine design excellence.

“We are keen to stay in the area and contribute to that reputation.”

A company spokesman said Scorpion was preparing to show three of its new models at the Dusseldorf Boat Show, said to be largest event of its type in Europe.

She added: “The new facility will allow for better quality control, improved efficiency and the potential to double production to nearly 50 boats a year.”