At the 2025 International WorkBoat Show (IWBS), industry leaders gathered to showcase innovation, strengthen relationships, and celebrate major milestones. Among the standout moments was an interview between John Rice, President of Byrne, Rice and Turner, and Ron Dykes, Director of Operations at AdvanTec Marine.
Speaking with long time partner Ron Dykes, John Rice reflected on the depth and longevity of the relationship between Byrne, Rice and Turner and AdvanTec Marine:
“It’s been a pleasure to represent such a fine manufacturer[…] it’s been a wonderful, long relationship.”
— John Rice, President,
Byrne, Rice and Turner
For decades, Byrne, Rice and Turner has represented Freeman Marine across America, helping customers discover high-performance products engineered for demanding marine environments. Their shared commitment to quality, reliability, and customer service continues to strengthen their position in the industry.
During the interview, Ron Dykes highlighted the progress AdvanTec Marine has made, especially in advancing foundry operations and production efficiency:
“The future for both our partnership and our company is bright[…] we’re still the top supplier of cast marine hatches in the world today.”
He went on to share key improvements in manufacturing:
• New equipment added to the foundry, increasing precision and efficiency
• One-man operation molding machines, modernizing workflow and reducing production time
• Enhanced manufacturing processes, reinforcing Freeman Marine’s reputation for durable, world-class marine products
For half a century, Freeman Marine has been recognized for creating some of the most trusted, durable marine doors and closures worldwide.
Watch the full interview video between John Rice and Ron Dykes below.
