Joseph Industrial Shipyard is a first-class shipyard that prioritises excellent customer service and quality. Having started from scratch in 2019, the shipyard has since experienced year-on-year growth. President José Ignacio Acero, Director José Alberto Acero and Commercial Director Dante Badaracco discussed the latest developments, during an in-depth interview. Report by Imogen Ward.
ASa family-run business, Joseph Industrial Shipyard (also known as Joseph Inwdustrial Development Corp) takes its responsibilities to customers seriously.
“When it comes to our shipyard, our customers are the main priority,” said Director José Alberto Acero. “We are extremely hands-on, so much so, that when a customer needs help, they get directed straight to us as we are here every day from seven in the morning, and we stay until the work is done.”
Today, Joseph International Shipyard provides a whole host of services, from the more general to the more complex, including sandblasting, steel repairs, accommodation refurbishment and electronics replacement.
Although the company has experienced five years of success, the road to the present day was not without its challenges.
Unbeatable upgrades
Although the shipyard’s presence dates all the way back to the ‘50s, Joseph Industrial Shipyard did not take the reins until 2019, a whole ten years after the previous owners ceased operations.
“We have had to complete continuous investments over the past five years due to a decade of inactivity,” explained Mr Alberto Acero. “Most of the investments already implemented were focused on infrastructure and included the replenishment of the drydock’s concrete walls.”
The company also purchased new high -flow pumps, in order to improve drydock dewatering and maintenance. Although a major investment, this is certainly not the stopping point for Joseph Industrial Shipyard, which has experienced an average annual growth rate of more than 20%.
“There are still more investments to make, especially when it comes to equipment,” added President José Ignacio Acero. “We want to get new cranes, trucks, welding machines, high pressure washing machines and anything else that can help us retain our position as the Caribbean’s leading provider of ship services and repairs.”
Also on the cards for Joseph Industrial Shipyard is a potential expansion of capac-
ity. Currently, the shipyard is home to two drydocks, the first being just over 153m in length and 17m in width, and the second, smaller dock developed with a 91m length and 17m width.
“Although we have the capabilities to service and repair much larger vessels of up to 300m, we do not currently have the space to facilitate these projects,” explained Mr Alberto Acero. “To overcome this challenge, we have sought out a special license from the Dominican Government, which enables us to carry out repair works in the different ports of the Dominican Republic.
“In the long-term, we would love to expand our operations to another facility that can house these larger projects. However, we
are still a long way off that, as we want to focus on perfecting our current facilities first and foremost.”
Ideal investments
Joseph Industrial Shipyard is also undergoing some other pivotal changes, which should lead to improved efficiency and quality. Over the last year-and-a-half, following the installation of new equipment, the company has successfully adapted its welding methods.
“Since we began incorporating this different way of welding, we have achieved excellent results,” explained Commercial Director Dante Badaracco. “Even increasing the speed of our manufacturing by up to 300 per cent in some cases.”
“We really want to make the most of this new opportunity,” agreed Mr Alberto Acero. “Through training and certification, all our employees are being well equipped to take
on this special method of welding. Of course, they will still utilise standard welding practices where needed, but this transition has been an important step in improving our efficiencies.”
The company is also preparing to explore another diverse section of the market as a ship chandler, which it hopes will further progress its mission for growth.
Although competition is limited in the Caribbean, Joseph Industrial Shipyard likes to remain at the top of its game.
“There are two other shipyards in the Caribbean, both of which are large-sized operations,” said Mr Badaracco. “Our small size gives us an additional advantage against the competition, because it allows us to provide a more personalised approach. We care about our clients, and we care about the finished product. That is why we always go the extra mile to ensure quality is a priority on every single project.”
A special thanks:
Joseph Industrial Shipyard would also like to thank the government, especially President Luis Abinader and Vice-President Raquel Peña who have given their undivided support since the start. Mrs Peña even cut the ribbon at the shipyard’s formal re-inauguration.
Other prominent figures include the port Authority directed by Jean Luis Rodríguez, the Ministry of Industry and Trade directed by Victor Bisonó, the National Council of Free Zones, and the Dominican Navy, who have all contributed to the growth and prosperity of the Dominican Republic.
Salient success
Each new year brings with it new opportunities and an increasing number of customers. Thanks to an ever-growing reputation as a world-class service provider, this success is expected to continue well into the future.
Joseph Industrial Shipyard is also very proactive in its approach to finding new customers, regularly attending tradeshows and events to mingle with the new and old clients alike. Most recently, the company attended the International Workboat Show in New Orleans, and it was a great opportunity to gain new exposure for the company.
“Enhancing our international presence is incredibly important, and the International Workboat Show has been instrumental in making that happen,” continued Mr Badarac-
co. “In the past, vessel servicing has been somewhat restrictive in the Caribbean when it comes the US market. But going to the show, little by little, companies have come to realise the benefits and possibilities that come with choosing a shipyard in the Caribbean.
“Not only is the show a great opportunity to meet new potential clients, but it also provides us with the perfect place to check in with current customers to ensure their happiness as well.”
Joseph Industrial Shipyard also uses these shows as an opportunity to meet up with its suppliers. These companies are crucial to the shipyard’s success, and ensuring their collective compatibility, as well as their contentment, is incredibly important.
“Suppliers and partners are key to this
business,” said Mr Ignacio Acero. “We have developed strong professional relationships with both local and international suppliers to ensure our chain is as solid as possible. All of these companies complement Joseph Industrial Shipyard and share our values and vision.”
When discussing the prominent relationships that had formed over the years, Mr Ignacio Acero also expressed his gratitude to the Svitzer Group, which, as the Joseph Industrial Shipyard’s first drydocking client, has supported it since the beginning.
“We are also incredibly thankful of all the different companies that we have created a great work bond with and that have put their trust in our company, seeing our values, work ethic and dedication,” added Mr Alberto
Acero, in conclusion. “Every day brings new possibilities and enables us to continue providing hundreds of well-needed jobs within our country.
“At the heart of it, we are a family, and we are incredibly proud of what we are accomplishing.” n
