Aaron Hendry News

Aaron W. Hendry, husband, father and grandfather, as well as Florida business leader, died today at the age of 80. Aaron passed away peacefully in his home after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Aaron leaves behind his wife Barbara, six children and three grandchildren. “Aaron Hendry was a wonderful businessman, and a giant in the maritime industry,” said Dennis Manelli, ‎General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer at Hendry Marine. “He grew up in the maritime community and had great empathy and loyalty to his employees. Aaron’s father, Captain F.M.

Gulf Marine Repair Corporation, a southeastern tug-barge shipyard, announced it is consolidating operations with Hendry Corporation, its affiliated company and fellow shipyard, effective November 30, 2015. Hendry Corporation was started by Captain F.M. Hendry in 1926 as Shell Producers Company, and in 1942, the name was changed to Hendry Corporation. “This 89-year-old company was founded by owner Aaron Hendry’s father. We value this history and want to continue Mr. Hendry’s long-lived success,” Watts said. The transition will result in the combination of shipyard assets and work forces, creating a service provider with a broader customer offering and a deeper talent pool. “We value all of our employees and want to keep them here,” said Watts.

Hendry Corporation, a shipbuilding and repair facility located at the Port of Tampa has just completed building a new 2,500-ton drydock at its facility located on Port Hendry. The drydock, named the Capt. F.M. Hendry, is capable of lifting ocean going tugs, barges and vessels completely out of the water for inspection and repair. “With the addition of this new drydock we will be able to significantly increase our capabilities and position ourselves strategically for the future,” said Joe Cimino, Vice President of Hendry Corporation.

Hendry Corporation is proud to announce that it received a $1 Million grant under the Maritime Administration Assistance to Small Shipyards Grant Program. Hendry Corporation appreciates the efforts of Congresswoman Castor, Congressman Nelson, Congressman Bilirakis, and Mayor Bob Buckhorn. The MARAD funds, along with Hendry’s capital contribution of $1.6 Million, will be used to construct a 1200-ton floating dry-dock. The construction will create 25 new high-paying shipyard jobs. Once completed, the new dry-dock will increase Hendry’s capacity and efficiency in servicing its customers, including the United States Coast Guard. The construction and eventual operation of the dry-dock will result in a significant economic impact for the Port of Tampa and our local economy.