“We are cautiously optimistic about 2021”
The last four months have been breathtaking, and we will finish the year with a very strong order intake.
By Mark Lawson, managing director, Hamworthy Pumps
At Hamworthy Pumps 2020 began with optimism. Our core markets were buoyant, and the outlook seemed bright. After the change of ownership in 2018, followed by a successful year in 2019, we were ready to continue re-establishing our brand as an independent company.
Then COVID-19 happened. The period from April to September was challenging and really stretched the team to the limit. We had to run the business with our hands tied behind our backs. But the creativity of the team was outstanding. Everyone pulled together to ensure we were doing all we could to keep our customers operational.
Core markets are recovering
As 2020 comes to a close, the last four months have been breathtaking, with the team recovering all the backlog of orders and finishing the year strongly. The market is still tricky, and we are continuing to fight hard to win every order. But I am cautiously optimistic about 2021, as most of our core markets are recovering. We will finish the year with a very strong order intake from the Navy segment.
Despite the challenges brought by COVID-19, Hamworthy Pumps has seen some remarkable highlights in 2020. We have launched a new service provider concept to expand our service business. We have entered into a powerful collaboration with Hoyer Motors to regain our position among the leading suppliers of pump room systems for large tankers. And recently we have started to expand our facilities in the UK.
Two key tasks for the beginning of 2021
Whilst it is hard to predict how 2021 will go, I strongly believe that we can continue to develop and improve and be more agile in order to satisfy the needs of our customers. We will not stand still. For the beginning of 2021 we have two key tasks: To upgrade our ERP system and to reorganise the factory to make us more efficient.
All in all, we look forward to closing the door on 2020 and starting 2021 brightly and recovering the success we demonstrated in 2019.