Hendry Marine Industries Inc. and Gulf Marine Repair Corp., both based in Tampa, Fla., continued their consolidation with the arrival Jan. 18 of Jim Long as the companies’ new chief executive officer. Long will focus on business improvement and long-term planning for Hendry Marine, Gulf Marine and all their affiliated companies.
Gulf Marine recently consolidated with Hendry Corp. to improve operations and better position the company for growth.
“This is an exciting time to join the talented team at Gulf Marine,” Long said in a prepared statement. “I look forward to building on the legacy of this organization, helping the company move into the future with focus, flexibility, and competitiveness.”
“This area has everything,” said Long, a native of Polk County, Fla., and a graduate of Florida Southern College. “Great natural resources, a strong port, and a tremendous workforce. It’s my goal to leverage all of these positives to make Gulf Marine and this entire area even better.”
Long comes to HMI and Gulf Marine after having served as CEO for several companies, including a $1 billion environmental services company. During those tenures Long integrated various business units with a focus on growth.
Started 90 years ago by Capt. F.M. Hendry to provide oyster shells for roads and construction, the Hendry company grew to include dredging and other maritime services. Today it is one of the biggest tug-barge shipyards in the Southeast, providing gas-freeing through Universal Environmental Solutions and repairs through Gulf Marine.
