Quick Hits: January 29, 2021
Volvo Group continues its commitment to renewable, electric power with the formation of Volvo Energy. The company said the new business arm will provide new-generation batteries and charging solutions, starting with its on-road commercial segment. It also will offer remanufactured and refurbished batteries to other green-minded businesses. “Our ambition is to offer our customers the most competitive solutions when it comes to electrification, including batteries and charging infrastructure,” president and CEO Martin Lundstedt said in a statement. “With Volvo Energy, we are taking a holistic view of the entire life cycle, which benefits both our customers’ business and society as a whole.”
The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas in a statement announced its 2021 board of directors: chairman, Rob Soucy, Port Harbor Marine; vice chairman, Jeff Strong, Strong’s Marine; acting secretary-treasurer, Joe Lewis, Mount Dora Boating Center; and immediate past chair, Joe Hoffmaster, Hoffmaster’s Marina. “These four officers have developed a strong working relationship over the last two years and, as such, have contributed significant guidance and direction for MRAA’s growth,” MRAA president Matt Gruhn said. Added Soucy: “The next couple of years will present both incredible opportunities and challenges never seen before in our industry.”
Baxter Marine Group said in a statement that it acquired SeaKit Brands, Wheelhouse Technologies and Vessel Vanguard, building a maintenance, management and software business that caters to the commercial and recreational marine industries. Baxter Marine was founded earlier this year. “Our goal is to provide the marine industry with the most advanced and intuitive systems to improve vessel reliability, safety and reduce operational costs significantly,” Baxter chairman Rick Heine said.
