Highwater acquired marine engineering firm Taylor Bros Marine, expanding its naval maintenance and ship outfitting operations in Australia.
US-based firm Highwater has acquired Australian marine engineering company Taylor Bros Marine, expanding its naval maintenance and ship outfitting operations in Australia.
Based in Hobart, Tasmania, Taylor Bros designs, manufactures, and installs accommodation and other interior modules for naval and commercial vessels.
Under the acquisition initiative, Taylor Bros’ engineering and outfitting expertise will complement Highwater’s existing naval preservation and repair services.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Taylor Bros’ existing management will remain in place, while members of the Taylor family will receive shares in Highwater as part of the transaction.
The family-owned company has operated for 90 years and works with Australian shipbuilders and defense contractors.
Highwater is owned by Arlington Capital Partners, a US private equity firm focused on defense and other regulated industries.
The company previously acquired Eptec Defence, an Australian naval preservation contractor, and AMP United, a US provider of ship maintenance and repair services.
Following the Taylor Bros acquisition, Highwater will employ more than 700 people across Australia and the US.
USS Mississippi in Western Australia for a routine visit to provide respite for the crew. Photo: CPOIS Yuri Ramsey/Royal Australian NavyExpanding Maritime Programs
Highwater’s latest acquisition comes as Canberra invests in new ships and undersea technologies to strengthen its maritime capabilities.
Last month, Australia awarded three contracts worth a combined 6.2 million Australian dollars ($4.3 million) for communication and navigation systems for autonomous underwater vehicles.
BAE Systems Australia, L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems Australia, and Mission Systems will develop the technologies through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator as part of the AUKUS partnership with the UK and US.
Work will focus on improving how uncrewed underwater vehicles exchange information with command-and-control networks and navigate while operating underwater.
In June, the Royal Australian Navy commissioned HMAS Eyre, its second Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel.
Australia is acquiring six of the ships to replace its Armidale-class patrol boats, with deliveries expected to continue through 2029.
