Nordic Tugs wins export award

BURLINGTON, Wash. – In what has been a big week for the boat builder, Nordic Tugs has won a national export award and launched a new demo event for potential customers.

The Seattle office of the U.S. Department of Commerce recently bestowed Nordic Tugs with an Export Achievement Award in recognition of the company’s successful move into foreign markets, the company reported today.

With economic indicators pointing to a potential slow-down in the domestic boating market, Nordic Tugs’ executive staff made the decision in 2006 to research international export opportunities, it explained. Working closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the company looked first to the European market, in part due to the strength of the Euro.

Nordic Tugs spent a year working to receive CE approvals on the Nordic Tug 32, 37 and 42 in order to export the boats into Europe. It signed its first dealer, Nordic Tugs UK Ltd., located in Southampton, United Kingdom, in June 2007, and made its European debut at the Southampton Boat Show in September 2007. The company sold its first boat the first morning of the show.

After less than one year, the European market now makes up 10 percent of Nordic Tugs’ annual sales, the company reported.

Nordic Tugs, which is currently researching additional international opportunities, reached an agreement last week to sign its first dealer in Russia.

Tug builder launches demo event

In unrelated news, Nordic Tugs dealers are hosting the first annual National Nordic Tug Fest on July 12-13 at dealer locations nationwide, the company said in a recent release.

Co-sponsored by Nordic Tugs, Inc., the event will feature tug tours, sea trials by appointment, a barbeque and door prizes.

“This is the first time Nordic Tugs and our dealers have partnered to organize a national sales event,” said David Goehring, executive vice-president of Nordic Tugs. “Our dealers are looking forward to hosting the Tug Fest, which will provide a fun venue for prospective customers to learn more about Nordic Tugs.”

• For more of the latest news, click here.