Two weeks after securing a £6m funding package to fuel its expansion Wirral military and specialist boat builder Marine Specialised Technology unveils a new senior appointment. Tony McDonough reports

Wirral specialised boat builder Marine Specialised Technology (MST) has unveiled Andrew Ehrlich as its new head of group procurement.

Andrew brings more than 30 years’ experience in buying, procurement and supply chain. He performed previous roles at Trelleborg Marine in Wales, Evoke Creative in Wirral and Beesley & Fildes in Knowsley.

Located on the River Mersey in Bromborough, MST is a £20-turnover business that designs and manufactures high speed and rigid inflatable boats, primarily for the military, coast guard and law enforcement sectors, exporting to countries across the globe.

In early May the company announced it had secured a £6m funding package from NatWest as it looks to expand to meet growing demand. This will help the venture to manage working capital requirements amid a record order book and increasing demand.

Its customers include coastguard, special forces, law enforcement, paramilitary, and industrial entities and it employs more than 130 people. Directors expect a surge in demand in the coming years amid a rise in global insecurity.

As the head of group procurement, Andrew will play a pivotal role in overseeing and enhancing the procurement strategies across all divisions of MST group.

His responsibilities will include leading the procurement and warehousing teams, managing essential supplier relationships, as well as developing and implementing procurement strategies.

MST said: “His expertise in procurement is anticipated to be a driving force in further solidifying the company’s position as a leader in the maritime industry.

“Andrew’s arrival marks a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth.

In October 2024 MST said it had secured its first orders for its new Fast Interception Craft. It has developed the FIC-1700 craft in partnership with BMT.

This vessel is specifically designed for all-weather rapid deployment operations, including maritime law enforcement and border control. Another recent contract saw the company supply 12 boats to be used by German special forces.