Gael Force was founded in 1983 by Stewart Graham – a start-up business in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis with a mission to bring better catching, higher quality and more robust fishing equipment to fishermen
In almost 40 years Gael Force has expanded operations with 7 locations in the UK and 1 in Canada and over 250 staff. Gael Force is currently embarked on a 4-year programme to further build the Group through strong business performance, investment and acquisition.
1983
Island Fabrications set up as “one man” creel manufacturing and steel fabrication company based in 500 square foot unit in Stornoway in the Hebrides in Scotland.
1987
A new 6,500square foot factory was established in Stornoway and the business focusses solely on the production of creels for the UK and export markets.
ca. 1989
Strategy developed to source complimentary key products to the core creel production direct from leading international manufacturers.
1990
“Gael Force” brand developed with sales, warehousing and distribution relocated to Inverness to further expand markets.
1998
Seaboard Anchors acquired to form Gael Force mooring division becoming specialist mooring equipment supplier to the fish farming industry and RNLI.
1999
Fiskevegn AS acquired to form Gael Force Grimsby division a strategic location for distribution of products in England.
2000
The assets of Taylor Marine and the Thornbush Quay site in Inverness acquired to form Gael Force Engineering division a manufacturer of the revolutionary SEACAP feed barges for the fish farming industry.
2000
Investment in Gael Force Marine Technologies AS to develop a range of automated fish feeding systems for installation in the SEACAP feed barges.
2001
Inverness “Marine Megastore” opened becoming UK’s largest one-stop shop for marine equipment.
2001
630-page industry unique catalogue with over 12,000 marine products launched.
2003
Gael Force Online Store launched providing all customers with the opportunity to purchase online.
2006
Our marine engineering division extends its product range including the new range of Seamate Feeding Barges.
2008
Gael Force develops a new concept in property with a “ground-breaking” floating home design.
2009
Gael Force moves from its Grimsby location and opens in Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, England.
2013
Forres based Varis Engineering which specialised in marina pontoon production and engineering services to the whisky distilling industry is acquired and is merged into Gael Force Engineering.
2013
The business of moorings company FPM Henderson, Glasgow acquired re-enforcing Gael Force position as market-leading Moorings specialists.
2014
Gael Force Marine Equipment open their third Marine Centre in the UK, situated in Glasgow, to serve both leisure and commercial customers on the Clyde and throughout the Argyll and Ayrshire coasts.
2015
Gael Force Marine Equipment launches new and improved online store with a massive range of leisure marine, commercial marine and commercial fishing products: www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk.
2016
Gael Force Group acquires Mohn Aqua to continue to invest in product development, production, sales and servicing support of the Mohn Aqua product range; which includes underwater cameras, sensors and acoustic deterrent devices. Mohn Aqua is renamed Gael Force Marine Technology.
2016
Gael Force launches its dedicated website for Marinas & Pontoons: www.gaelforcemarinas.co.uk.
2017
Gael Force launches its dedicated website for Aquaculture: www.gaelforceaquaculture.com.
2017
Gael Force becomes the UK's only producer of concrete breakwaters.
2018
Gael Force Group and The Pontoon & Dock Company announced its partnership which will see the SeaHaven Pontoons, Breakwaters and Gangways represented across the wider United Kingdom marina markets.
2018
Gael Force Group acquires a majority stake in Fusion Marine, fish farm pen manufacturer, which combines their resource and wealth of experience, jointly invest in developing new and innovative products while continuing to provide competitive pricing and high service levels through close partnering with their respective customers.
2018
Gael Force Group acquires a majority share in Corpach Boatbuilding Company in a strategically significant move which could strengthen the West of Scotland’s boat building industry and see the introduction of steel feed barge building on the West coast.
2019
Gael Force Group opens a new base in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador as Gael Force Canada to supply and service the Aquaculture industry in Canada.