YMB17: Quantum unveils new retractable stabilizer, corporate headquarters

Feb 19, 2017 by Lucy Chabot Reed

By Lucy Chabot Reed

Several hundred people helped Ft. Lauderdale-based Quantum Marine Engineering celebrate the opening of its new world headquarters building last night, taking the occasion to learn about the company’s newest stabilizer system.

Previously housed in three buildings, Quantum has invested more than $10 million in a new 30,000-square-foot headquarters building in the Port 95 business park south of State Road 84 and west of I-95. Designed by

Quantum founder and president John Allen in the atrium of his new corporate headquarters in South Florida. He started the business in 1985 in Portsmouth, R.I., and now employs more than 50 people. PHOTO/LUCY REED

Saltz Michelson architects and LEED-certified to minimize energy consumption, it has a contemporary design that includes a two-story workshop, work station for on-the-road sales and service techs, workout room and showers, kitchen and offices.

Positioned on the second floor is a high-tech training room for courses in the maintenance and operation of its systems, a facet required by the military portion of the business. Quantum supplies machinery for several naval fleets around the world, including Egypt, Morocco, Holland and Brunei, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard. Quantum is also involved in a U.S. Navy project to retrofit 14 active duty ships across the globe. Military contracts now make up about 30 percent of Quantum’s business, Allen said.

Its newest stabilizer system, called the Dyna-Foil, is a retractable stabilizer that uses a foil design to reduce roll for vessels both at anchor and under way. Because it’s retractable, it is not limited in size. Quantum pioneered the zero-speed stabilizer in 1999. Read more about the technology of how it works here Quantum Press Release.

Quantum’s new building sits on three acres, with two of them reserved for parking that still contain more than 30 large oak trees. The parking area is paved with pervious concrete.

Quantum headquarters. photo by Lucy Reed

The monochromatic interior is punctuated with colorful photographs of employees and their motorcycles and cars, poised around the famous murals of Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.

Quantum founder and president John Allen started the business in 1985 in Portsmouth, R.I., but was soon traveling to Ft. Lauderdale to sell his products and services. In 2003, he relocated to South Florida and now employs more than 50 people.

Visit the new, three-story building at 3685 S.W. 30th Ave., Ft. Lauderdale (33312).

To read a story about the groundbreaking and see videos of the building’s construction, click here.

Quantum P. Release-New DYNA-FOIL-FINAL

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About Lucy Chabot Reed

Lucy Chabot Reed is publisher and founding editor of The Triton.

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