Silverships Company Analysis

Silver Ships

Company Overview

Silver Ships has been designing and manufacturing welded aluminum boats for 18 years. During this period, over 1,000 welded aluminum boats have been produced and shipped to customers throughout the world. It takes job orders by way of contracts, some of which are government operated. These contracts are generally done two years in advance, which causes Silver Ships to be unique because it knows its production schedule and can estimate profits at a more accurate rate than companies in other industries. Silver Ships builds ships according to specification agreed upon in the contract.

Silver Ships is a prime boat builder for the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, other U.S. and international government agencies and commercial customers. Silver Ships also repairs boats on a request only basis. In addition to repairing, it also contracts on a number of refurbishment jobs.

Facilities

Silver Ships is located on 16 acres in Theodore, Alabama just South of Mobile on Bellingrath Road. After moving into a 15,000 square foot building in 1996, they soon after expanded a second time. Since then, they have added over 12,000 square feet of additional production space and they have built additional office spaces.

All aspects of the vessel construction, from the custom design to the final assembly, are conducted in an enclosed production facilities and the location gives the company convenient access to Mobile Bay, where it conducts extensive sea trials. Silver Ships uses state of the art welding equipment and laser cut parts in the construction of our aluminum boats.

History

Silver Ships, Inc. was founded by Mike McCarty after a successful career in the commercial fishing industry in 1985; it was originally intended to be a small scale operation but eventually grew. In 1988, Silver Ships began using computer automated design (CAD), which expanded its capabilities as a boat design company. In 1990, Silver Ships built its first aluminum rigid hulled inflatable boat. In 1996, Silver Ships moved its operations to Theodore, Alabama, where it is currently located.

In 1997, Silver Ships began contracting for AMBAR Marine, which is currently associated with. In 2000, Silverships purchased Ambar Marine, but due to the factor of name recognition of AMBAR Marine, it chose to keep its name. In 2002, Silver Ships added 12,000 sq ft. of space in order to be able to increase production within the company.

Generic Strategy

Silver Ships’ generic strategy involves a narrow, differentiated scope. The company does not try to enter into other markets and focuses on providing aluminum boats for governmental agencies. The way Silver Ships differentiates itself is by providing customizable boats for its customers.

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Some of Silver Ships’ strengths include its relationship with customers, maintaining an efficient workspace and an employee-friendly atmosphere.

SilverShips employs many ex-military members. This is a definite strength providing a direct channel to military customers. This is helpful in bids on jobs provided by Silver Ships. Secondly, SilverShips work area is efficiently layed out. Currently there are three buildings that provide a flow of work that is not only cost-effective, but also very efficient. This allows for employees to specialize in certain aspects of the boat building process.

In addition to the relationships