Three decades- Hundreds of superyacht refits, one innovative Kiwi firm

by Annaleis Shearer on 11 Aug 2016 Marine business EAL Electric is proudly marking 30 years in operation this week having originally been founded in 1986 as a one-man business.

Since then it has grown to become a fully-staffed operation, run by husband and wife team Warren and Jan Tait, that has been involved in over 200 superyacht refits as well as some of the world’s highest profile campaigns and race yachts.

“Warren and Jan have shown true professionalism in everything they do,” said NZ Marine Industry Association executive director Peter Busfield. “Running a successful business with up to 24 employees takes specialist business skills in this day and age, which they have continued to demonstrate proficiency in.

“We have always appreciated their input and congratulate the business on reaching 30 years,”

Over the three decades, the company has adapted its services across a range of vessels including trailer boats, commercial boats, classic yachts, research vessels, and everything in between.

“Their culture of technical professionalism and cooperation remains without doubt their foundation for success and we are delighted to be associated with them. It is wonderful to have seen this company grow to be held in such high respect throughout the marine industry,” said McMullen and Wing managing director David Porter.

The long list of projects undertaken by EAL Electric includes assignments on Sir Peter Blake’s catamaran ENZA, Whitbread and Volvo Ocean race yachts, Atlantic row boats and famous luxury yachts such as Shenandoah, Zenji, and Athena. Recently the company gifted an electrical installation, with the generous support of local leading brand electrical suppliers, to the new Sea Cleaners Charitable Trust vessel.

“All the work carried out by EAL Electric was to an exceptionally high standard and we were so pleased with the support they gave us, enabling our boat to get on the water. The staff are approachable, professional, and the way they work as a team is a tribute to their efficiency,” said trust concept founder Hayden Smith.

EAL Electric has expanded in recent years to cater to residential and commercial sectors as well as opening up their products and services in offshore markets. Originally known as Electrics Afloat Limited, the business rebranded to reflect this growth and modernisation in 2014. The company gained ISO 9001 accreditation in 2013.

“It’s really rewarding to see how far we’ve come. From small beginnings as one man working from the back of his van, Warren often jokes that he has trained many of the marine electricians in the industry today,” said Jan Tait.

Looking ahead, Jan Tait said the future of EAL Electric is a bright one and she’s confident the business will remain in good hands.

“Hopefully I will have convinced Warren it’s time to retire before we clock up another 30 years. Who knows, our children could be running it by then.

“As well as seeing our range of quality New Zealand-made LED light fittings embraced for export around the world, I’d love to see the company continue its growth on a global scale while remaining committed to providing excellent electrical solutions for our local market,” she said, adding that the team at EAL Electric would like to thank all their customers for their support over the years and are looking forward to the next three decades in business.'