James Sweat Joins Matzer Associates

James C. Sweat, naval architect, has joined Rudolph F. Matzer and Associates of Jacksonville, Fla., according to Rodney E. Lay, president of the internationally known firm of naval architects and marine engineers.

Mr. Sweat comes to Matzer Associates with experience in the design and engineering of boats, ships and other waterborne vessels, as well as a background in industrial engineering.

The new Matzer naval architect is a native of Brunswick, Ga.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial management from Georgia Tech, and the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan.

Prior to his association with Matzer Associates, Mr. Sweat was with Design Associates as a naval architect, and before that with Halter Marine, Inc. as naval architect and project engineer. Both firms are in New Orleans, La.

For several years, Mr. Sweat was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding as a senior systems engineer concerned with building of merchant ships and management plans for modern shipyards.

He also co-directed industrial engineering studies for submarine overhaul.

While big ships have been part of his interests, Mr. Sweat also has experience in small vessels, having worked as designer/builder of steel sailing vessels from 25 to 52 feet overall for Colvin Manufacturing Company, Miles, Va.

Mr. Sweat joins the Jacksonville company that was founded 20 years ago by the late Rudolph F. Matzer for the purpose of naval architecture, marine engineering, marine surveying and consultation.

Matzer-designed vessels are many and varied. They include h e a v y - l i f t ships, roll-on/ roll-off ships, container vessels, tugs, research ships, fishing boats, yachts, workboats, and other type vessels that may be found in any part of the world.

When Mr. Matzer died in December 1977, Mr. Lay became president of the firm in accordance with arrangements made by the founder for the continuation of the firm's work.

Mr. Lay, who was vice presi president and Mr. Matzer's close associate for six years, has continued the steady, dynamic growth of the Matzer operation that prides itself on creative naval architecture "through the application of inventive engineering, technical excellence plus pragmatic analysis, review and execution."

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