THE MAXWELL MARINE STORY

Since 1969 the name Maxwell has been synonymous with the highest standards of performance in providing anchoring solutions for pleasure boats Superyachts and commercial vessels. Our international reputation for excellence has evolved through ongoing R & D, innovative design, customer service and a commitment to style and quality that is unparalleled in the industry.

Maxwell recognises that boat owners not only want equipment that works flawlessly, they also want products that look great and perform to the highest standards.

Maxwell products are renowned for their reliability and performance throughout the international marine leisure boat industry. Our range of windlasses, capstans and accessories is extensive, providing anchoring solutions for vessels from 6 metres (20 feet) to over 90 metres (300 feet).

Maxwell’s history is one of innovation and today is no exception. From the introduction of the world’s first automatic rope/chain windlass during the mid 1990’s to the custom built Superyacht series of the future, Maxwell continues to exceed client expectation over and over again in every aspect of reliability, functionality and design

In addition to our head office and manufacturing facility in Auckland, New Zealand, Maxwell has offices in California (USA), and Queensland (Australia). An extensive global dealer network throughout North and South America, Europe, Indo Asia, South Africa, Middle East and the Gulf States supports these main centres.

MAXWELL TIMELINE

  • 1969

Maxwell Marine is founded in Auckland, New Zealand by Graeme Maxwell Cundy

  • 1978

Maxwell opens a sales office in California, USA

  • 1982

Maxwell gains a foothold in Southeast Asia after partnering with Mercury Marine in Taiwan

  • 1983

Maxwell- Nilsson Marine is formed by the merging of the assets of Maxwell and Nilsson Winches

  • 1985

Maxwell purchases Nilsson outright

  • 1992

Maxwell consolidates with new shareholders

One of the world’s first rope/chain windlass produced, the SRC (shackle rope/chain) 500 and 800

  • 1994

Maxwell purchases their first CNC machining centre and introduces CAD software

The ‘Freedom’ 500/800 windlasses are introduced into the range

  • 1995

Maxwell shifts its focus exclusively to anchor windlasses and sheet winch manufacturing ceases

  • 1998

A sales office/ warehouse is established in Brisbane, Australia

  • 2001

Maxwell moves to a new, purpose- built facility in Mairangi Bay, Auckland

Two New Zealand marine manufacturing companies are purchased; Weaver Hatches and Southern Ocean Ropes (SOR)

  • 2002

The new SY range is launched

  • 2003

A sales office is established in Italy

  • 2004

A SY sales office is opened in Ft Lauderdale Florida

  • 2008

Maxwell is incorporated into the Dutch marine company VETUS

  • 2009

The stainless steel Rope Chain (RC) range is launched

  • 2013

VETUS and associated companies (including Maxwell) join the Yanmar Group

  • 2018

Maxwell moves to a larger facility in Auckland to accommodate increased growth

  • 2019

Maxwell celebrates its 50th Anniversary

MAXWELL MARINE COMPANY PROFILE

Maxwell has long been recognised as the industry leader when it comes to innovative design of anchoring equipment. By employing top calibre people with solid theoretical and practical backgrounds in the marine industry, Maxwell is able to satisfy the needs of a demanding market with the design of product that consistently exceeds the expectations of its customers.

Applying the latest in CAD design and practical R & D on every product guarantees that, when a Maxwell product is introduced, it will be to the highest engineering standards, innovation and reliability. Even though classification society approval may not always be required, Maxwell design their equipment to exceed the demanding requirements of these authorities.

In the demanding world of boat building, Maxwell has long recognised the need for speedy distribution and global back up service. Over the years Maxwell distribution centres and service agents have been established in virtually every part of the globe. Whether you need a winch sent to the Marquesas or have it serviced in Fort Lauderdale, Maxwell ensures that your demands will be met.

Although Maxwell’s head office and production facility is based in Auckland, New Zealand, they have established their own distribution and service centres in California, USA and Queensland, Australia. Well established and trained distributors and agents throughout North and South America, S.E. Asia, China, Europe, South Africa, and the Gulf States ensure that you will always be close to delivery, back up service, information or help of any kind, which may be needed.

WORLD LEADERS IN INNOVATIVE WINCH DESIGN

Maxwell equipment is born of innovation and backed by years of experience in the manufacture of the world’s highest quality anchor windlasses, ancillary deck gear and stern handling products.

Maxwell’s innovative approach to design resulted in the introduction of automatic rope/chain windlasses to the global marine market during the mid 1990’s. These were a radical departure from all other windlasses, revolutionary in design and technical features. Building on the success of these products, Maxwell has recently designed and developed an exciting new RC range of automatic rope/chain windlasses. But it doesn’t’t stop there! In the early part of 2012, Maxwell will be releasing their totally new RC12-10 and RC12-12 Vertical Series of rope/chain windlasses, complementing the existing, highly acclaimed RC Series windlasses introduced in 2010.

Maxwell has broken the design barriers yet again with the development of a vertical and horizontal rope/chain windlass range incorporating two unique and internationally patented features. The new RC and HRC Series attest to Maxwell’s ongoing commitment to innovative design and development.

Maxwell has continued to evolve its existing range of proven windlasses and capstans.

The new RC12 is the culmination of Maxwell’s evolution of a full range of automatic rope/chain windlasses suitable for use on vessels from 4.5metres (15 feet) to over 20 metres (65 feet).

Maxwell’s ongoing commitment to product development can also be seen in the upgrading of their ‘traditional’ and continually popular vertical VWC Series. Stalwarts since the early nineties, the VWC windlasses were always great performers and now, with advanced engineering features incorporated into their improved designs, they work even better.

Maxwell recognises that boat owners not only want equipment that works flawlessly, they want products that look good as well. To this end, Maxwell designers spend countless hours improving the look, functionality and robustness of all Maxwell products, as well as introducing new and highly innovative products such as the popular HRC6, HRC8, HRC10, RC6, RC8, RC10 and NEW RC12 Series.

With an ongoing commitment to excellence, product innovation, research and development, you can count on Maxwell

PRECISION ENGINEERING FOR ANCHORING SYSTEMS

Maxwell has long been recognised as the industry leader when it comes to innovative design of anchoring equipment. By employing top calibre people with solid theoretical and practical backgrounds in the marine industry, Maxwell is able to satisfy the needs of a demanding market with the design of product that consistently exceeds the expectations of its customers.

Applying the latest in CAD design and practical R & D on every product guarantees that, when a Maxwell product is introduced, it will be to the highest engineering standards, innovation and reliability. Even though classification society approval may not always be required, Maxwell design their equipment to exceed the demanding requirements of these certifying authorities.

Maxwell have committed to ensuring that their plant and machinery are of the highest standard. They strive to produce equipment that will be the benchmark against which their competitors will be judged.

Initial engineering design is translated, via sophisticated CAD/CAM technology, to the factory floor where conceptual design becomes a solid product. New product ideas are rigorously tested before the final manufactured equipment is released to the market. Users from the Pacific Islands to the Mediterranean have come to rely on Maxwell’s attention to detail and understanding of the rigorous environment in which the product will be used.

Maxwell’s exacting manufacturing standards and commitment to quality spans the entire supply chain. Throughout the production cycle every Maxwell employee has been empowered with the authority to accept or reject components that live or do not live up to the highest standards. All employees are educated and trained with excellence in mind. Quality engineering is assured by instilling in everyone the basic adage, “Would you want this product on your boat?” During assembly a final quality check and sign off by a qualified engineer is performed. It is during this process that compliance testing is carried out ensuring that every windlass and capstan will perform to the original design specification. Maxwell’s goal is to deliver the highest quality product on time to the exacting demands of their customers world-wide.