Whiskey Project Group acquires KJL Sails

  Veteran-founded, specialist and tactical watercraft manufacturer The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG) has acquired New Zealand-based KJL Sails to expand the company’s presence in the Pacific and strengthen its supply chain of highly specialised maritime technology manufacturing. With this investment, TWPG continues to expand its state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, technologies and its highly skilled workforce seeing expansion of its Trans-Tasman end-to-end maritime design, engineering, manufacturing and sustainment facilities. KJL is renowned for its production of sails and foam collars, with Naiad being one of their key customers over the years to support the delivery of world class patrol, commercial and recreational vessels. Combining KJL’s collar making expertise with Naiad’s design expertise will enable more of the manufacturing and design elements to be co-located, this will enhance efficiency, collaboration and deliver continued design excellence and innovation. Naiad vessels are the renowned ‘four-wheel drive of the sea’ and is the first choice of Australian and New Zealand law enforcement, border agencies, coastguard and emergency services. The acquisition of KJL Sails follows the previous two strategic acquisitions by TWPG in 2020 which has continued to secure a sovereign supply chain and assure key naval design intellectual property while enhancing Australia and New Zealand’s regional boat manufacturing expertise and employment. Darren Schuback, Chief Executive Officer of TWPG said: “The investment in KJL Sails is another example of TWPG securing its supply chain in the Australasian region and is testament to TWPG’s commitment to innovation, manufacturing and most importantly, our customer base.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact : Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]