Marinas, dealers and suppliers alike all took the time to drop into Hutchings Marine Products in Gravenhurst, Ontario on August 8 to help owners Scott Crichton and Judy Semple at their 40th anniversary celebration.

Guests started arriving at 1 PM but the first pig went on the barbecue at 4 AM to slow roast for the guests. Hutchings is well known for their March Shirtsleeves dealer education sessions but this year, in honor of the 40th anniversary of Ralph Hutchings founding the business, Hutchings decided to honor their customers and suppliers instead.

Planning for the event began in late 2011. The whole Hutchings team was involved with Judy, Melissa and Bradley spear heading the planning of the event.

Ralph and Eleanor Hutchings, the founders of Hutchings Marine Products Ltd. began business in 1972 making mooring lines in their basement located in Port Carling, Ontario. Later they moved operations to Armstrong Street, in Bracebridge and hired Scott Crichton. At that time, Scott and Ralph delivered marine products from cube vans. Later Scott became a partner with Ralph.

Ralph retired in 1995, offering an opportunity for Judy Semple, who came on board in 1991, to become a partner with Scott; and then Chris Kohler joined in 1996 as Sales Manager.

May 2004, Hutchings moved to a new building in Gravenhurst, where in 2006 it was expanded further into the present 11,000 square foot building.

The sales force grew in 2009 by hiring Jack Napier for South Western Ontario, and Mike Reesor for South Eastern Ontario and the company now employs a staff of 20.

Scott was enthusiastic about the support they received for their 40th Anniversary celebration saying, “We’ve had really good dealer and exceptional industry support today. Many people came early and stayed quite a while. The weather’s been great and that really helps plus the roast pig barbecue was absolutely delicious.”

Join us in congratulating Hutchings on their 40th Anniversary.