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Partnerships: no, we’re not talking about in- for our apprentices,” says Matt Nichols, Executive Vice frastructure funding. But, in our P3 version, President. “It’s very advanced, and about 30 young men

P3 boatbuilding in the Paci? c Northwest and and women are going through it right now.”

Alaska is alive and well, because of it. Long-standing en- NBBB’s diversity in skill enables it to provide a wide terprises and relative newcomers are all experiencing an variety of vessels to customers, such as lightweight, alumi- uptick in projects. Here, as part of our annual MN100 top num high-speed catamarans, small cruise ships, ferries, tug company pro? les, we take a look at how three organiza- boats, ATBs, and most recently, a 140’ x 38’ x 13’ Cargo/ tions have either merged and/or partnered with comple- Passenger containership for American Samoa. The compa- mentary companies to expand skills, capabilities, employ- ny has also built boats with Z-drives, Voith Schneider pro- ees and market reach. pellers, water jet propulsion and working paddlewheels.

Facilities include 11 “big top” portable buildings, each 40’ x 85 wide and 55’ high that can be constructed

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) is a complete as needed, in addition to the permanent administration new-build shipyard and full-service repair facility with over building, engineering, warehouse, electrical, pipe, carpen- 50 years of experience on Whidbey Island in Washington ter and paint shops.

“We use a lot of local naval architects here to design a

State. Founded in 1964, NBBB specializes in steel and alu- minum vessel construction, repair and major conversions. lot of what we build,” explains Nichols. We also have engi-

NBBB has a 15-acre shipyard and a growing workforce neers on staff. I think we’re about as modern as you can be.

We try to keep materials in front of the people and design of over 300 skilled tradespeople. In fact, many employ- ees have been with the company for more than 20 years. staff and have the equipment necessary for them to work

These employees are training the next generation of boat with and be safe and clean at the same time.” Besides con- structing vessels from scratch, NBBB has also partnered builders. NBBB also has an in-house, state-recognized ap- prenticeship program that ensures its personnel meet and with Vigor on several ferry projects for Washington State exceed NBBB expectations and regulatory demands. “The ferries that involved building massive 375-foot-long, ? ve- training program runs every Tuesday and Thursday night story high superstructures. “We always have an open mind “I think we have a great crew. I always say to them, there are three things in sales: price, delivery and quality. I only have two things to worry about because your quality is always excellent.” – Matt Nichols, Executive Vice President, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders

Credit: Nichols Bros.

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