The Whiskey Project: A Veteran-Founded Specialist in Tactical Watercraft
The Whiskey Project was founded by Australian Defence Force veterans with a clear mission: to revolutionise watercraft for tactical operations and specialist marine environments. The company has garnered attention for its innovative, cutting-edge designs and solutions that meet the demands of modern maritime defence forces. The founders’ military background gives them a deep understanding of what is needed in high-stakes tactical environments, leading to the development of vessels that are rugged, versatile, and highly effective in various conditions.
Since its inception, the Whiskey Project has been focused on enhancing operational effectiveness through the integration of advanced technology, superior design, and robust manufacturing processes. The company’s vessels are tailored to meet the needs of defence, law enforcement, and other specialist sectors, providing reliability in high-pressure maritime operations. This focus on tactical watercraft and its strong ties to the defence sector has allowed the Whiskey Project to stand out in the competitive field of marine manufacturing.
In 2020, the Whiskey Project made headlines with the acquisition of other New Zealand-based companies, strengthening its foothold in the region. These acquisitions were part of a broader strategy to expand production capacity and tap into New Zealand’s rich tradition of maritime engineering. Now, with the acquisition of KJL Sails, the company is taking another significant step toward becoming a dominant player in the Asia-Pacific maritime defence industry.
KJL Sails: New Zealand Expertise in Boat Manufacturing
KJL Sails, based in Picton, New Zealand, has a long-standing reputation for excellence in boat design and manufacturing. Although it started primarily as a sailboat manufacturer, the company has since expanded its capabilities to include more technical and complex vessels, with a strong focus on innovation and craftsmanship. Over the years, KJL Sails has developed a name for itself in both commercial and recreational boating, delivering high-quality products that are recognised for their durability and performance.
With its expertise in both design and manufacturing, KJL Sails has played a key role in maritime innovation in New Zealand. The company’s operations are deeply rooted in the country’s maritime culture, leveraging local talent and resources to produce vessels that meet the highest standards. While its core business has been in sailboats, its recent ventures into more complex watercraft manufacturing made it a perfect fit for the Whiskey Project’s ambitions in the defence sector.
KJL Sails’ reputation for quality and craftsmanship has not only gained them recognition in the civilian maritime sector but also put them on the radar of companies looking for specialist manufacturing capabilities that could be applied to more demanding environments, such as tactical and defence operations. This expertise was a key factor in the Whiskey Project’s decision to acquire the company.
Why The Whiskey Project Acquired KJL Sails
The acquisition of KJL Sails is a strategic move by the Whiskey Project to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and expand its footprint in the Asia-Pacific maritime defence sector. The complementary expertise between the two companies made the acquisition a natural fit. While the Whiskey Project has specialised in tactical watercraft, KJL Sails brings a wealth of experience in boat design and manufacturing, which will allow the combined entity to push the boundaries of innovation in defence watercraft.
One of the key motivations behind the acquisition is to boost production capacity. By acquiring a well-established manufacturer like KJL Sails, the Whiskey Project can increase its production capabilities, allowing it to meet the growing demand for specialist watercraft. This is particularly important given the increasing need for tactical vessels in defence and law enforcement, where rapid deployment and versatile functionality are critical.
Principal Naval Architect, Mike Clark, Naiad Colar Finishing Technician, Josee Derden, KJL Collar
Manufacturing Manager, Ian Barclay, Naiad Collar Product and Production Manager, Bill
Richards, KJL Textile Fabricator, Andrew Hogg, General Manager Naiad outside the
manufacturing facilities of KJL Sails in Picton, New Zealand.
Additionally, KJL Sails’ strategic location in New Zealand offers the Whiskey Project an enhanced supply chain within the Asia-Pacific region. The acquisition strengthens the cross-border collaboration between Australia and New Zealand, with both countries sharing a close maritime relationship and mutual defence interests. This regional collaboration can help streamline the supply chain, making it easier to meet the demands of clients across both countries and beyond.
The combination of KJL Sails’ expertise and the Whiskey Project’s strategic direction will also allow for greater innovation in the design and manufacture of defence watercraft. The acquisition opens the door for new product developments, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create vessels that meet the evolving needs of modern defence forces.
Goals and Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the Whiskey Project aims to use the acquisition of KJL Sails to bolster its manufacturing and design capabilities, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in tactical watercraft production. By integrating KJL Sails’ design acumen with its own expertise in defence vessels, the Whiskey Project hopes to innovate new products that cater to the needs of defence forces, law enforcement agencies, and other specialist maritime operations.
One of the primary goals of the acquisition is to enhance production capacity, allowing the Whiskey Project to meet increasing demand for advanced watercraft. The addition of KJL Sails’ facilities and workforce will significantly expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities, helping it produce more vessels at a faster rate. This is particularly important in the context of rising regional security concerns and the increasing importance of maritime defence in the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition to production, the Whiskey Project also has its sights set on innovation. The combination of both companies’ design and manufacturing expertise will create new opportunities for developing advanced watercraft that use cutting-edge materials and technologies. This includes everything from stealth features to enhanced navigational systems, all designed to give defence forces a tactical edge in maritime operations.
The acquisition also positions the Whiskey Project as a key player in the defence supply chain between Australia and New Zealand, with the potential to serve broader markets in the Asia-Pacific region. By strengthening its presence in New Zealand through KJL Sails, the Whiskey Project is well-positioned to take advantage of regional growth opportunities, contributing to the maritime defence sector’s overall development.
Conclusion
The acquisition of KJL Sails by the Whiskey Project marks a significant step forward in both companies’ strategic growth. For the Whiskey Project, the deal enhances its production capabilities and opens the door to new innovations in tactical watercraft manufacturing. For KJL Sails, the acquisition provides access to new markets and resources, allowing it to continue its legacy of maritime innovation. Ultimately, this acquisition not only strengthens both companies but also has broader implications for the maritime defence industry in the Asia-Pacific region, enhancing regional collaboration and bolstering the defence supply chain.
See The Whisky Project Media Release https://www.thewhiskeyprojectgroup.com/_files/ugd/e0dca3_9d659307a6294797a333da7a26b4684b.pdf
