Now doing their own thing

Harken owned sales and service operation opens in North Sydney

Harken Yacht Equipment have announced that its newest Harken-owned sales and service office has opened in Sydney to serve the entire Australian market. This move represents a shift in distribution from an independent distributor, to a Harken-owned operation. Key staff members from Harken's former distributorship will continue with Harken to ensure a smooth transition and a strong foundation for the future.

This change in business model also includes a change in location. Still operating in the North Sydney area, Harken Australia's new address is:

Harken Australia Pty Ltd
1B Green Street Brookvale, N.S.W.
2100
Australia
Phone: 61-2-9939-1090
Fax: 61-2-9979-1933

Company president Peter Harken explains the reason for creating a Harken-owned office: "Our former independent distributor who was doing business as Harken Australia has moved on, providing us with the opportunity to control our own destiny in this important market. I have been on hand with our team in Australia setting up this new operation. The outpouring of support from customers and friends has been great! The ability to service this market directly will only enhance the customer and technical service Harken is known for."

Harken continues: "The make-up of the new team is outstanding. We have formed a board of directors that includes respected businessman and yachtsman Neville Crichton. We have retained industry veteran and respected technical leader Carl Watson to head up our new office during this transition."

Also on the Harken Australia team is Queensland Manager Matt von Bibra and Retail Sales Manager Stuart Fahey. Customer Service Executive Jason Greenaway will continue his duties in service and sales. New to the Harken Australia team, but not new to Harken Inc. is Jessica Cammarata, who will manage customer service for Harken Australia. Currently, Jessica is a customer service representative for Harken Italy, and will move to Australia to coordinate service between the Australian customer base and Harken's Italian manufacturing facility.

"We're open for business and prepared to immediately service all Harken accounts," said Carl Watson. "We're pleased with how well this transition has gone. Our primary objective is to continue to serve the customers, and we're prepared to do just that."