New man targets mobile power needs

Dave Burke will use his experience to expand the market for Cummins Onan power generators. Photo / Supplied

Dave Burke will use his experience to expand the market for Cummins Onan power generators.

Westhaven engineering company General Marine Services has appointed a new business development manager to target what it sees as a fast-growing market for mobile power generators.

GMS director Roy Chalton says Dave Burke, who has become the company's Cummins Onan business development manager, will focus on marine and other markets, including mobile, residential, farming and tourism.

"Most boat owners are well aware of the benefits of high-powered, fully featured modern generators such as those offered by Cummins Onan," he says. "However, there is also a large demand for such generators in other areas."

Chalton says he believes Burke is the ideal man for the new position, with almost 20 years' experience in both engineering and sales development.

A motor mechanic by trade, Burke has worked with leading worldwide charter operator Sunsail, served as a superyacht engineer, run engineering workshops for a variety of New Zealand companies and built a proven track record in marine sales and service for GMS.

Both Chalton and Burke say they see huge potential for growth in a range of areas, particularly in the increasingly popular RV and motor home markets. They believe there is now a large crossover between marine and motorhome/RV owners with many who own a boat also having a motorhome or recreational vehicle.

"That is perfect for us," says Burke. "General Marine Services has a great reputation for both supplying top-of-the-line products and backing these up with outstanding service. And Cummins Onan is the world's biggest manufacturer of commercial mobile and RV generators with a range that runs from just 2kW all the way up to 1000kW and beyond."