Trade Username Password
Forgotten password?
📝 Sign up for a trade account

Founded in 1917, Bainbridge International is one of the longest established sailcloth manufacturers in the world, with almost a century's experience in developing and supplying the highest quality, highest performance materials to the marine industry.

Bainbridge International Restructure Announcement

Bainbridge international Ltd, the world’s oldest Sailcloth and Hardware manufacturer and distributor announces a management buy-out and restructure.  Andrew Smith with outside investment and the support of the management team has bought Bainbridge International Ltd.

Despite the challenging times in recent months, the Bainbridge team has kept a constant eye on the securing the company’s future. Andrew Smith, the Managing Director who has been with Bainbridge for six years and brought with him a wealth of experience in textiles in general, and sailmaking in particular, both technically and practically. He has been instrumental in returning the company to its roots as a sailcloth and fabric specialist.

This announcement comes with plans to develop the range further, with investment in developing new materials and supplying the finest quality product matched with highly competitive pricing.  Alongside the sailcloth, Bainbridge plans to continue to develop and invest in their AquaMarine Brand along with the supply of a wide range of marine products.

The restructure sees the retirement of Jan O’Connor who has been with the business for over twelve years and the owner for the last six years.  Jan will step down as Director and wishes the company well for the future.

Jan O’Connor commented: “I am delighted to see Andrew and the team at Bainbridge be in a position to take the business forward.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, but I feel that the recent disruptions with the Covid pandemic have given me the right opportunity to retire and for a new chapter to begin for the company.  I know that I am leaving it in very safe hands, ones that are committed to further innovation and development of the Bainbridge range as well as ensuring continuity for staff, customers and suppliers alike.”

Andrew Smith commented: “It has been a difficult time for the global economy and will continue to be so but I am a strong believer in Bainbridge and the excellent team we have, this  coupled with the strength of the relationships with our suppliers, from weavers to finishers will stand us in good stead to weather these challenging conditions.  I am very pleased to report that we have seen a significant increase in sales over the last few weeks and we are already looking to Spring 2021 when we hope that the marine industry and wider sailing community can enjoy a more ‘normal’ season. 

I would like to thank the team at Bainbridge for their steadfast commitment and hard work over these difficult months and know I can rely on them for their continued support as we move forwards.”

Gavin Lacey will remain as the company’s Commercial Director.  Laurence Mead who provided the investment for the acquisition will join the board as a Non-Executive Chairman.