Kevin and Ann Cooney founded Cooney Marine 50 years’ ago, manufacturing stainless steel equipment for river boats as a part-time venture in a pub stable.

The business soon expanded to the two current manufacturing sites in Kettering, Northamptonshire and started to supply yards on the south coast.

A chance encounter led to Kevin’s first marine customer - John Sadler – and Kevin soon found he was welcomed with open arms when customers found he could offer stainless steel for boats.

In 1992 James Cooney joined the business and oversaw ongoing investment in cutting edge technology design capacity and Cooney’s apprenticeship programme.

In 2000 Cooney Marine acquired Simpson Davits, revitalising this well-known brand.

Fabrication

The company has been involved in construction projects ranging from the Welsh assembly to the new Farringdon tube station, establishing itself as the market leader in marine stainless-steel fabrication.

2017 saw the creation of Cooney South in Poole specifically servicing the boat builders on the south coast.

The company now has 114 staff including 12 apprentices that are schooled in house with its EAL accredited training certification and a turnover of £8.5m.

Stainless steel fittings are manufactured for many varied sectors of leisure marine from one off superyacht projects to production part processing.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the company will hold a drinks party at the 2019 Southampton International Boat Show on Wednesday September 18 on stand J409 from 1530.