Gold Coast-based company Marine Airflow International’s 20th year of clear sailing
In the world of small business, weathering two decades is no easy feat. For Marine Airflow International, the Miami-based marine manufacturer, its 20th birthday is looking like it’ll be its best year yet – forecasting stellar revenue growth and more prestigious client wins.
The Gold Coast economy has been experiencing unprecedented growth over the past few years and the region’s marine industry is at the forefront. Growing by 38 percent since 2012, the Gold Coast has emerged as one of major hubs in the country’s marine industry.
Marine Airflow International marks a leading name in this sector of the region’s economy. The company was founded by Brad Marsden in 2005 after the entrepreneur spent several years managing a workshop in Cairns that specialised in building semi-submersibles and aluminium vessels.
In this role, Brad noticed a recurring problem. Ventilation issues in engine rooms were significantly impacting performance and efficiency. Marine Airflow International was founded to offer custom solutions for engine room ventilation.
The Miami-based ventilation specialists are on the cusp of 20 years in operation and show no sign of slowing down. In the last four years, the business has doubled its warehouse and expanded its team size to support its diversifying client list.
In fact, Marine Airflow International is reporting company sales for the current quarter (July–Sept 2024) equal to its entire sales for the 2019–2020 Financial Year. Most recently, the company also took home the Premier of QLD Export Award in the Small Business category.
“It’s mainly in the last three years that we have grown. Amazingly, we’ve gone from 10-20 percent [international clients] three years ago to now, 40 percent of our sales are exports, 60 percent Australian based,” shares Yael Abitbol, Marine Airflow International’s general manager.
“We don’t have one sector that’s more important than the other … Our clients include commercial, government, defence and luxury. We would also have transport, like ferries, transport boats and fishing vessels as well.”
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Marine Airflow International represents one of only 12 companies in the world that specialise in this work and the only one in Australia. The company operates from a warehouse in Miami on Hillcrest Parade, where they’ve been since launch.
“[Brad] has deliberately chosen to stay here … so he could have a team that can enjoy the coastal life.”
“Everyone lives locally, so no one has to take the M1 to come to work, thankfully,” jokes Yael.
Employee experience has remained a priority for Marine Airflow International, beyond just the sea-side location.
“We do a four day work week for all employees … And we also do a profit-sharing scheme with everyone. So every three months, we share 10 percent of profits with everyone.”
“We found that [the profit-sharing scheme] engages the employees. They feel more like they take ownership of the work that they do, and they can see it reflected on their pay after three months,” shares Yael.
Marine Airflow International is currently evolving to navigate its increased success, installing a new crane system and recently receiving approval for new laser equipment. According to Yael, the Gold Coast locale has played a major role in supporting the business as it continues to thrive.
“There is a lot of help … Help from the City of Gold Coast. Local councils. Regional help.”
“If you’re a small business, you’re going to be supported. And that’s something that even in my previous roles and companies I’ve worked with, I’ve always tried to use that to a maximum,” explains Yael.
“Whether it was doing courses or even getting just advice or networking opportunities … They want you to succeed.”
Find out more about the City of Gold Coast business support and attraction programs, including the upcoming Business Week, here.
