Fletcher's financial problems began late last year, the company being put into receivership just as the 2002 London Boat Show opened, but production continued under the direction of the official receiver as a number of companies looked at purchasing the business.

West Bromwich based Franton Ltd was established 1962. The company says it plans to operate the existing boat production plant in Burntwood, Staffordshire, and took control at the plant on 4 March.

Franton has already confirmed that production will continue as normal on the current Fletcher and Dell Quay ranges which comprise 15 different models from 13ft to 25ft, with top priority being given to any outstanding customer orders from the recent London International Boat Show.

Importantly for new and existing owners, Franton Ltd has pledged to honour all existing warranties, including the new twoyear hull warranty introduced at the start of the year for all 2002 craft, an announcement which seems to confirm that Franton is committed to re-establishing the Fletcher brand in the market.

Franton Ltd and their company West Bromwich Patterns and Mouldings are recognised as one of the UK's leading GRP manufacturers and produce a wide range of goods, including, the companies claim, "almost every door fitted to a train in the UK". As a BSI BSEN ISO 9002 (1994) registered company, the company has the ability to design, produce patterns and take production through to finished products.

Franton's Chief Executive Russell Turner says he feels that although the company obviously does not have experience in the boatbuilding industry, with the proven ability of Franton Ltd in the production of 'slam doors' and other safety critical items there is a great deal of "crossover" with Fletcher products, where items such as hulls need to be manufactured to similar standards.

Interestingly, Franton Ltd has pledged to introduce new working practices to the Fletcher factory to improve production techniques and simplify manufacturing processes, whilst maintaining the quality of the finished boats. The company says these changes will benefit customers and dealers alike, with shorter lead times and a reliable standard of service, with quicker delivery from time of order.

Speaking at the time that the deal was announced, Turner said: "After many weeks of negotiation I am very pleased to announce the acquisition of the Fletcher powerboat business which is a renowned marque within the international boating industry.

The synergy of both Franton Ltd and Fletcher products has given rise to the opportunity to make Fletcher a revered international producer once more, whilst safeguarding shop-floor jobs and providing stability for both Fletcher and their suppliers."

In a related, and highly important development, Yamaha Motor (UK) Ltd has confirmed that as requested by Franton Ltd they will continue to provide the exclusive sales, marketing and PR organisation for Fletcher boats in the UK and Europe, which, claims Yamaha, will ensure that the current growth in sales continues.

"Combining Yamaha's expertise in the marine market with the reputation of Franton Ltd in GRP moulding creates a strong partnership, which has already resulted in exciting new ideas for developing the brand, including plans for new craft which will make sure that the product range meets the high demands of today's customers", said Turner.

"Despite the events of the last few weeks there is now a bright future for everyone", concluded Turner. In fact, new Fletcher models were launched only as recently as September at the Southampton Boat Show, when a new five-person, 160hp 19ft model was introduced.

Aimed at the 'fish and ski' market, the Malibu - which is available with Yamaha 115CETOL, F115AETL, or Z150PETOL engines options - was well received at the show, as were a number of improved versions of existing Fletcher designs.