A rise in smart technology proves successful for TechWorX Marine

Following the recent recession, many businesses in Asia were hit hard and struggled to rebuild their client base. Despite this, TechWorX Marine has successfully developed its business offering to meet changes in the market. Yachting Pages recently spoke to Daragh O’Higgins, managing director from TechWorX Marine to learn more about his business and the rise in the use of iPad controls on board superyachts.  

When was TechWorX Marine founded?

We founded the original company in Koh Samui after moving there in 2008 from Mallorca. Initially employed with a local company we decided to branch out on our own, and over the following years we expanded the business out to Bangkok and Phuket.

Most of our projects were in the high-end residential and commercial markets; however seeing the growing superyacht market in the region and with my own experience as crew and working in the industry in the Mediterranean, we started a division of the company specialising in marine AV & IT systems. 

In your own words how would you describe your business?

TechWorX is a leader in smart electricals, creating bespoke systems of the highest quality that complement our client’s lifestyle. We offer our services for both the superyacht market as well as commercial and residential projects. We are proud to provide the best in iPad automation, audio visual entertainment systems, lighting control, home cinema, security and electrical design solutions. If you can dream it, we can probably design it.

The core function of our business is systems integration to produce an easy to use and reliable system. We stay up to date with the latest technologies and all our staff attend regular manufacturing training so we stay on top of the game.

Are there any new entertainment & IT systems released lately?

The biggest change in our industry has been the move to IT based systems, allowing better system reliability, easier programming and the use of value devices like the iPad for control. Newer wireless technologies are also getting more reliable allowing easier retrofitting of systems.

Does TechWorX Marine have any interesting company news/future plans and developments?

As well as our main products we also offer satellite TV/data and 3G/4G data for yachts cruising in this region. We also now offer a mobile trouble shooting service for yachts anywhere in the S.E Asia region.

My wife Kay has completed her interior design diploma to enable us to connect our smart iPad automation with interior design concepts. We now offer both bespoke design and retro fit design in all lighting, furniture placement and automation. 

What are your most popular products?

Media servers, iPad control, multi-room audio and lighting control are our best sellers.

Who is your key target audience?

We are interested in all customers who share our love of automation function over form. We enjoy working with people who love the concept of new technology working on their yacht, to enhance the lifestyle we all deserve and create time to concentrate on what really matters.

How is business? Have you been affected by the recession?

Like all business in Thailand, the recession along with other factors has hit everyone in one form or another particularly hard, we have reduced our costs, kept all our professional staff and modified our working practices. It makes you evaluate your principles, working practices and if you survive you will come out better and fitter.

What is the most bizarre client request you’ve received?

The most bizarre was for a TV that swung down from a recessed position in the 3 meter high ceiling to the front of a bed. We had to design a $15,000 custom-made motorised bracket.

What superyacht s/big clients have you worked with that you can share?

We have worked with M/Y Tanvas, M/Y Happy Days, M/Y Splendid, M/Y Tilac, M /Y Band of Gypsies, M/Y Perle Noire, M/Y Fox, S/Y Yanakee Too, M/U Horus, M/Y Sassy and M/Y Integrity

Who would be your dream client? 

Our dream client would be someone who loves new technology and high definition audio and video with an unlimited budget!

For more information please visit TechWorX.