Falmouth Docks has a new man in charge after Gerald Pitts was appointed managing director of A&P Group’s Falmouth business.

Gerald joined A&P Group as an engineering apprentice in 1976 and held a variety of supervisory and senior managerial positions before his appointment as RFA Cluster programme director in 2008. He will now lead the business as it continues to build its reputation in the commercial and defence sectors as a global ship repairer. He replaces previous MD Peter Child, who was suspended last March.

"My priority is to strengthen our focus on Falmouth’s core business and continue offering value for money to our customers, whilst promoting a safe working environment with a well-motivated and productive workforce," said Gerald. "All this is pivotal to A&P Group’s continued growth and it’s a real privilege to be leading the Falmouth team forward in that endeavour.”

Andy Shaw, group managing director for A&P Group said: “Gerald has been instrumental in developing A&P Group’s relationship with the MOD and it’s testament to his work that we were appointed the MARS contract in 2015, which will brings an increased number of RFA-based flotilla repair and maintenance projects into the yard this year.

“Gerald is a tremendous asset to A&P and he has a very clear vision for Falmouth, growing the client base, nurturing the team and building our reputation as a leading global ship repairer. This is a strategic board level appointment and we wish Gerald well in his new and challenging role.”

A&P Group operates seven dry docks across three strategic locations in the UK and has a business in Australia that provides ship repair services and support to the Royal Australian Navy. All facilities combine a rich heritage of marine engineering skills and experience, providing ship owners and energy companies with all the precision skills needed to complete the most demanding projects.