METTAWA, Ill., Oct. 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) announced today that it has completed a second investment in Sea Machines Robotics, Inc., a Boston-based autonomous technology company that specializes in advanced control technology for workboats and other commercial surface vessels. Details of the investment were not disclosed.

Brunswick made an initial investment in 2018 through its joint venture with Chicago-based TechNexus Venture Collaborative.  Over the past two years, both Brunswick and Sea Machines have been committed to building autonomous solutions for the marine industry that will enhance operator safety and increase performance for both commercial and recreational applications.

“We believe that strategic investments in early stage technology platforms like Sea Machines allow Brunswick to build on emerging technology trends,” said Brenna Preisser, Brunswick Corporation President - Business Acceleration & Chief People and Strategy Officer. “Autonomy is a core element of our ACES strategy and working together with Sea Machines affords us the opportunity to create new capabilities to enhance the boating experience.”

“We are excited to have Brunswick Corporation as a strategic investor,” said Michael Johnson, Sea Machines CEO.  “Both companies share a common vision to enhance the boating experience and we look forward to our continued relationship with Mercury Marine and Brunswick’s industry leading boat brands.”

Over the past two years, Sea Machines has been awarded several significant contracts including partnerships with DEEP BV in the Netherlands, Metal Shark Boats and the U.S. Department of Defense Innovation Unit.  While the company’s current focus is on the commercial vessels market, the goal is to develop similar automation capabilities in the recreational marine market in the future.

About Brunswick

Headquartered in Mettawa, Ill., Brunswick Corporation’s leading consumer brands include Mercury Marine outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; Mercury global parts and accessories including propellers and SmartCraft electronics; Power Products Integrated Solutions; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood, Garelick, and Whale marine parts; Land ’N’ Sea, BLA, Payne’s Marine, Kellogg Marine, and Lankhorst Taselaar marine parts distribution; Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Lowe, Lund, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Thunder Jet and Uttern boats; Boating Services Network, Freedom Boat Club, NAUTIC-ON. For more information, visit https://www.brunswick.com.

About TechNexus Venture Collaborative

TechNexus Venture Collaborative finds, funds and grows technology ventures in partnership with corporations. Through a unique alignment of relationships in the technology ecosystem, we provide a platform to engage ventures, transform business models and ultimately drive innovation. We have done so for dozens of corporate partners and more than 500 startups. Equal parts entrepreneur, strategist, and investor, TechNexus Venture Collaborative Rethinks Growth.  

About Sea Machines
Headquartered in the global tech hub of Boston and operating globally, Sea Machines is a leader in pioneering autonomous control and advanced perception systems for the maritime industry. Founded in 2015, the company builds autonomous vessel software and systems, which increases the safety, efficiency and performance of ships, workboats and commercial vessels. Learn more about Sea Machines at www.sea-machines.com.  

Lee Gordon
Vice President – Brunswick Global Communications & Public Relations
Brunswick Office: 847-735-4003
Mercury Office: 920-924-1808
Cell: 904-860-8848
Lee.Gordon@Brunswick.com