FROM NEWRY TO THE SEVEN SEAS: HOW MJM GROUP BUILT A GLOBAL LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
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FROM NEWRY TO THE SEVEN SEAS: HOW MJM GROUP BUILT A GLOBAL LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
From the shores of Northern Ireland to the shipyards of the world, MJM Group stands as a symbol of what dedication, craftsmanship, and visionary leadership can achieve. Based in Newry, County Down, this family-founded company has grown from a small joinery business into one of the world’s most respected marine and interior outfitting specialists. Under the guidance of CEO Gary Annett, MJM has expanded its reach across continents while remaining deeply rooted in the values that shaped its beginnings.
MJM MARINE
PROJECT DIRECTED BY: JAMIE
WAITE
Established over four decades ago, MJM’s evolution has been marked by an unyielding commitment to quality. What began as a local joinery operation has transformed into a multi-disciplinary enterprise capable of delivering largescale, high-value projects to some of the biggest names in the cruise, ferry, yacht, and hospitality sectors. Its capabilities span every stage of the outfitting process, from design and manufacturing to logistics, installation, and project management. Each project reflects the company’s philosophy that precision, reliability, and attention to detail are as vital as creativity and innovation.
At the heart of MJM’s operations lies its 100,000-square-foot headquarters in Newry, a hub of technical excellence where craftsmanship meets cuttingedge technology. The facility houses advanced joinery, metalwork, and finishing workshops alongside design and engineering teams who collaborate closely on each stage of a project. The result is a seamless integration of design intent and manufacturing precision, enabling the company to deliver interiors of exceptional quality and durability.
The company’s reputation for excellence is founded on its ability to provide truly turnkey solutions. Every element of an interior refit or new build can be managed in-house, ensuring consistency and accountability from concept to completion. This approach has positioned MJM as a trusted partner to global cruise operators and shipbuilders who depend on timely delivery, efficient execution, and uncompromising standards.
Gary Annett’s leadership has been instrumental in steering the company through both opportunity and challenge. Having begun his career with MJM as an apprentice, his ascent to the position of CEO is a reflection of the company’s belief in cultivating talent from within. His experience across multiple levels of the organisation has given him a deep understanding of the business, its people, and its purpose. Since taking the helm, he has led the company through a
MJM MARINE
period of expansion and diversification, introducing new technologies, expanding facilities, and strengthening MJM’s global partnerships.
This evolution has been underpinned by a consistent focus on innovation. In an industry where precision and timing are everything, MJM has invested in research and development to stay ahead of client needs. From exploring sustainable materials and smarter design methods to implementing digital modelling and advanced fabrication systems, the company continues to refine how it delivers value. The integration of technology has not diluted its craft-based heritage but instead enhanced it, enabling greater efficiency and creative freedom.
Sustainability has become another defining pillar of MJM’s growth strategy. The company recognises that environmental responsibility is no longer optional in modern manufacturing. Its approach involves reducing waste, sourcing responsibly, and designing with longevity in mind. Materials are carefully selected for durability and recyclability, and processes are continually assessed to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The company’s commitment to sustainable operations reflects a wider vision of responsible growth, ensuring that progress never comes at the expense of the planet.
While MJM’s work takes it to ports across the world, its roots remain firmly in Northern Ireland. The company’s connection to its local community runs deep, and its success is seen as a source of pride for the region. It continues to invest in developing local skills and employment opportunities, championing initiatives that encourage young people to pursue careers in manufacturing, design, and engineering. Partnerships with schools, colleges, and training providers are helping to build a pipeline of talent for the future.
The company’s long-standing commitment to people development is reflected in the loyalty of its workforce.
Many employees have grown their careers within MJM, benefitting from continuous training and opportunities to work on international projects. This emphasis on people has helped create a strong internal culture built on teamwork, trust, and shared ambition. The result is a business that not only delivers excellence but does so through a team that genuinely believes in its mission.
MJM’s influence extends far beyond ship interiors. The skills and expertise developed in the marine sector have allowed it to expand into land-based projects, including hotels, residential developments, and commercial interiors. Each new venture is approached with the same level of precision and care that defines its marine work. The company’s adaptability and technical breadth have made it a partner of choice for clients seeking quality craftsmanship and seamless delivery, whether at sea or on land.
The past few years have tested the resilience of many in the global marine industry, particularly during the pandemic. For MJM, it was a period of reflection and renewal. The company used the time to strengthen its operations, invest in digital processes, and prepare for the eventual recovery of the cruise market. When travel resumed and demand returned, MJM was ready. Its ability to respond quickly and efficiently to renewed market needs reinforced its position as an agile, futureready business.
In the wider context of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing and export economy, MJM represents a model of what can be achieved through strategic leadership and local expertise. Its success story demonstrates how a business grounded in regional skill and heritage can compete and excel on the global stage. The company’s continued investment in innovation, people, and sustainability ensures it remains at the forefront of a sector that demands both precision and creativity.
Today, MJM’s order book reflects the scale
of its ambition. The company continues to deliver major refits and interior projects for leading international clients, consolidating its position as a world-class outfitter. Yet despite its global footprint, it has maintained the integrity and work ethic that defined its early years. The same craftsmanship that once served local customers in Newry now shapes luxury interiors aboard some of the world’s most recognisable cruise vessels.
Gary Annett’s vision for MJM is one of continuous evolution. He has consistently advocated for a balance between growth and authenticity, believing that the company’s success lies in never losing sight of its roots. Under his leadership, MJM remains both forward-looking and grounded, a business that embraces modern technology without abandoning the human touch that sets it apart.
As MJM looks toward the future, its trajectory remains defined by purpose, partnership, and pride in craftsmanship. Its work is not just about creating beautiful interiors but about shaping environments that enhance experience and endure over time. Every project is a reflection of the
company’s dedication to quality and its understanding that true success lies in details often unseen but always felt.
MJM’s story is, ultimately, one of transformation. From a small joinery business in County Down to an internationally recognised outfitter, it embodies the power of vision, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence. The company’s journey under Gary Annett’s guidance demonstrates how innovation can coexist with tradition, how growth can remain responsible, and how a business built on craftsmanship can achieve global impact without losing its soul.
With an established reputation and an ambitious path ahead, MJM Group continues to define the standard for marine outfitting worldwide. It is a business that represents not only the best of Northern Ireland’s industry but also the universal values of skill, integrity, and imagination. And as it continues to expand its reach, MJM stands as proof that when expertise is combined with passion, there are no boundaries to what can be achieved. www.mjm-group.com
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