Galley Design Company Looks to Future on Internet

A. R. Larsen Company, Inc. of Redmond, Wash., has recently gone online to take its products and services around the globe. A leading provider of marine food service equipment, custom products, installation services and galley design, A.R. Larsen is looking to expand its international market.

Since 1985, the company has been involved in all aspects of new and renovated galleys for the marine industry - from commercial ships, fishing vessels, factory trawlers, and cruise lines to passenger ferries and private pleasure crafts. The company's work, originally based around the Washington State Puget Sound area, has led them around the globe as contractors, subcontractors and consultants to a variety of demanding projects.

Principal owner Andrea Larsen, together with her staff and an extensive team of reputable vendors, contractors and designers, has created a business that clearly understands the marine industry. Strict attention to national and international standards, as well as to the aesthetic, cultural and functional expectations of her clients, has given Larsen a leading edge in the global marine market.

Larsen began her career "on the ground floor" at Seattle's Todd Pacific Shipyards in 1974. Soliciting and coordinating pricing of materials and services for the purchasing department, she eventually became responsible for administering subcontract work for government and commercial contracts. It was there Larsen became well-versed in Federal Acquisition regulations and the various standards and requirements specific to the marine industry. She also worked with Honeywell Marine Systems Defense Electronics Division before joining PSER, Inc., a marine refrigeration company in Seattle, where she was able to use her knowledge of federal regulations coordinating all their government contracts.

In 1985, Larsen started A.R. Larsen Company, Inc. at the encouragement of fellow workers and associates. With contacts she had made in the industry over the years, she quickly found herself as a key provider to local and regional contractors in the government, commercial and private sectors. Adding installation and design services over time, Larsen took up reading blueprints herself and eventually developed joint ventures with other experienced food service consultants. She worked closely with U.S. Public Health Services (USPHS) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) personnel to better understand critical marine inspection and sanitation regulations.

"It became apparent that, if we were going to provide the best equipment and solutions for our clients, I needed, personally, to understand what our clients were up against as well as our vendors, installers and subcontractors.' Larsen's greatest asset continues to be her fearless approach to new and interesting work. She loves the unique challenges, criteria and energy that surround each project.

In addition to galley design, equipment and installation, the company has ventured into furnishing and installing joiner systems, doors, ceiling systems, furniture and fixtures. "We know when we take a project from start to finish, we can more closely meet the final expectations of the vessel's owners, staff and the passengers. All the way from the number of expected coffee breaks to the cultural cuisine of those served on board. It's not only exciting for us to "commandeer" an entire project, it means we can really create appropriate, functional and long-term results," says Larsen.

Today, Larsen continues to be the company's active president, overseeing all aspects of the business and heading up special projects. With the introduction of their website to the world wide web, she expects to not only increase the company's business but also the scope of their projects.

"While we clearly understand national and international standards, measurements and various country regulations, there is always a new set of guidelines or custom specifications that make our jobs more interesting. We're really excited to expand our services and take on the challenges of the marine industry around the globe."

The company's Web site offers general information on products and services, allows users to request additional or specific information and offers direct downloading of their catalog. A.R. Larsen Company's site is located at www.marinegalley.com.