Hudson Boat Works is making waves in the world of rowing. From its inception in 1981, the company has earned their reputation as the premier Canadian manufacturer of Olympic rowing shells, growing from a small two-man operation to a global competitor.
Each year, the company makes 500-600 racing hulls with an average production cycle of seven to ten work days per boat. Craig McAllister, Commercial Manager at Hudson Boat Works, says about 80 per cent of everything produced at the London location is sold outside of Canada and 50 per cent of that sells outside of North America.
“There’s export money coming and staying in London. We’re a company that’s willing to embrace innovation and support transformational ideas. That’s why we are leaders on a global scale,” comments McAllister.
And being a leader comes down to a fraction of a second. In world class competition, it’s the difference between gold and silver. It’s that level of detail that drives and challenges the employees at Hudson Boat Works. Their intricately designed rowing shells have set new standards for performance, function, and aesthetics worldwide.
Each craft is engineered with a molecular level of detail and research. Before production, Hudson Boat Works uses SolidWorks® 3D CAD software, sold and supported by Canadian reseller Javelin Technologies, to help Hudson engineers work from concept to completion. SolidWorks Simulation tools create virtual environments that mimic real-world conditions, allowing workers to identify any issues before physical testing. If designs pass the test, the boats are then built using their trademark ‘Shark Carbon’ and a honeycomb core, creating a hull that is four times more impact resistant and 50 per cent stiffer than previous designs. The result is a sleek and rigid craft, capable of world record speeds while remaining lightweight enough for the average person to carry.
Glen Burston, Operations Manager at Hudson Boat Works, says the company’s goal is to be the most technically skilled boat builders in the world. The science behind their manufacturing is cutting edge, as industry success requires technical innovation, intuition, and risk. Contributing to international competition at this elite level means the Hudson team must devote themselves to anticipating and meeting the needs of the best coaches and rowers in the world. So far, Hudson equipment has been used by teams from Canada, U.S.A., Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Guatemala.
Looking ahead, the company hopes to see more of their products race to gold at the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games. To date, Hudson Boat Works products have won 80 medals at the Olympic and World Rowing Championships.
Crafting Partnerships
Earlier this year, Hudson Boat Works and Community Rowing Inc. (CRI) signed a contract to replace 75 rowing shells, making it the largest contract of its kind. Hudson Boat Works will not only be supplying the new boats, but will be in charge of servicing them – a contract that will foster a continuing relationship for the next three years. The new contract generated approximately 15 job openings, several of which were technology-related, taking Hudson’s total employee count to about 75.
Based in Boston, MA, the CRI is dedicated to raising the standard of rowing programs and sharing their knowledge and expertise with others for the advancement of the sport at all levels. McAllister says the scope of the project with CRI is uniquely rare: “It is rewarding to work with CRI on such a large-scale, grassroots project. The boats will be used by people of all socio-economic backgrounds, with a focus on the underrepresented and disadvantaged youth communities of Boston.”
For more information on Hudson Boat Works, visit www.hudsonboatworks.com or follow them on Twitter: @beAshark. You can also read about the company in the London Economic Development Corporation’s London Magazine. Email info@ledc.com with “London Magazine” in the subject line to obtain a complimentary copy.
