Gold Beach, Oregon — Freeman Marine, a proud member of the AdvanTec Marine family of brands, marks its 50th anniversary this year, celebrating five decades of engineering excellence, craftsmanship, and commitment to the global marine industry.
Founded in 1975 by Arvie Edwin “Dugie” Freeman, Philip Wright, and Bo Shindler, Freeman Marine began with a single product—a commercial deck hatch—crafted in a small garage foundry. Today, the company stands as a global leader in marine closures, supplying watertight doors, windows, and portlights for commercial fishing vessels, offshore oil supply ships, U.S. Navy and Coast Guard craft, passenger ferries, and luxury yachts.
A Legacy of Innovation
From its humble beginnings to becoming the first marine closure manufacturer to earn ISO 9001 certification in the late 1990s, Freeman Marine has consistently set industry benchmarks for safety and durability. Its patented quick-acting mechanisms and robust designs have earned the trust of shipbuilders and operators worldwide, including vessels operating in extreme environments such as Arctic research ships and high-speed ferries.
Reflecting on the company’s legacy, Freeman Marine’s leadership emphasizes the values that have guided its growth: craftsmanship, reliability, and customer trust. “Our success has always been rooted in listening to our customers and engineering solutions that meet the toughest marine conditions,” said Ron Dykes, Director of Operations. “That philosophy remains unchanged after 50 years.”
Commitment to the Future
As Freeman Marine honors its past, it looks ahead to a future driven by sustainability and technology. Upcoming initiatives include investments in sustainable materials, automation, and digital integration to meet the evolving needs of the marine industry. “Innovation is not just about new products—it’s about anticipating tomorrow’s challenges,” said Jason Setzer, Director of Sales. “We’re committed to leading that change.”
