New 820 metric-ton lift in Dania Beach intended to meet growing
worldwide demand for mega-yacht servicing and refitting
MIAMI LAKES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2012--
BankUnited announced it closed a $3,050,000 loan to Derecktor of Florida
for the acquisition and installation of a revolutionary new boat lift
system that is expected to have a positive, economic ripple effect on
the South Florida community, and the marine industry in particular,
according to BankUnited Chairman, President and CEO John Kanas.
Derecktor’s acquisition of a new 820 metric-ton mobile boat lift – the
largest mobile unit of its type in Florida and the world’s tallest, able
to accommodate vessels nearly 200 feet in length – will increase the
number of large vessels that can be worked on simultaneously at its
Dania Beach shipyard from three to a minimum of eight.
“With this new mobile boat hoist more than doubling Derecktor’s existing
capacity to service mega-yachts at its Dania Beach shipyard, Derecktor
is renewing its status as the preeminent service destination for the
world’s mega-yacht community, and providing a significant boost to South
Florida’s economically vital marine industry,” said Kanas.
Derecktor CFO Kenneth Fisher expects this expanded capacity will boost
company revenues by 30 percent or more, and will have a positive
spillover effect on the subcontractors with whom Derecktor does
business. As a result, Fisher noted that Derecktor expects to hire
approximately 40 new employees over the course of the first year,
including 10 new employees immediately to accommodate operation of the
new lift.
The Derecktor deal is part of BankUnited’s new secured equipment lending
service. BankUnited lending officers involved in the deal were Paul
Beliveau, secured equipment lending officer, and Sandra Mayor, business
banker representing the deal. The lift, fabricated by Cimolai Technology
in Italy, is located on the Derecktor Shipyard, 775 Taylor Road, Dania
Beach.
BankUnited (NYSE: BKU), headquartered in Miami Lakes, Fla., provides a
wide range of commercial and consumer banking services to businesses and
consumers in 15 Florida counties through more than 95 branches. For
additional information, call (877) 779-2265 or visit www.BankUnited.com.
About Derecktor of Florida
Derecktor of Florida, a full-service facility catering to mega-yachts,
opened in South Florida in 1967 and is situated on 17 acres adjacent to
the Dania Cut-Off Canal, within one mile of Port Everglades and minutes
from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. For more
information about Derecktor contact James Brewer, director of business
development, at jamesb@derecktor.com.
Source: BankUnited
Pierson Grant PR
Amy Hoffman, 954-776-1999 ext. 228
ahoffman@piersongrant.com
or
BankUnited
Mary
Harris, 305-817-8117
MHarris@BankUnited.com
