BEP MARINE FOUNDER PASSES ON
Most New Zealand owners of a powerboat/yacht probably have a BEP Marine product within the vessel’s electrical system. And yet the company had a humble birth.
In 1967 Bruce and his wife Jocelyn bought a small auto electrical business on Auckland’s North Shore and renamed it B.E. Pratt Ltd. He ran the workshop, she the accounts.
Bruce always did marine jobs at the local marina but around 1973 he landed the contract for the wiring on H28 yachts at Compass Yachts in Te Atatu. This was the inception of BEP Marine. Its logo soon featured on the thousands of switchboards being shipped out the door.
BEP Marine was responsible for the wiring for noted boatbuilders in the 80s, and also supplied product for many boats built in back yards through the 70s and 80s.
Bruce always believed in training apprentices – and some who progressed through the ranks are in senior positions within BEP today.
In 1994 BEP released the Contour Range of control panels and with two new partners launched a major export drive. Today Contour control panels are sold in over 45 countries.
Bruce’s son Ross joined the company in the late 70s, allowing Bruce to retire in 1998 and enjoy an active retirement.
He was a top bloke, well-respected by the marine industry.
