Anyone who knows Milan Sterk knows that the man doesn't do things by halves. His quality standards are best recognised by his products and his attention to detail. If you ask him himself, he modestly describes his company as "a small Bavarian boat manufacturer whose aim is to make its customers happy with Sterk and Zar Mini boats". The fact is, however, that MS Marine GmbH, which he founded in 2013, is an internationally active company that specialises in the trade, production and distribution of boats.
Global dealer network with more than 100 partner companies
As Managing Director of MS Marine GmbH, Milan Sterk has built up a global dealer network with over 100 partners. Every year, his company sells around 1,000 boats with a turnover of 10 million euros. The focus is on the development of innovative boat solutions and strategic partnerships with leading engine manufacturers.
The most important projects and successes in recent years include the establishment of the global dealer network, the founding and expansion of MS Marine GmbH and MS Marine USA Inc. as well as the development of the ZAR Mini, FISH and Sterk brands. Particularly noteworthy is the exclusive partnership with Yamaha as an OEM partner for Europe from 2023 and the collaboration with Vision Marine for the development of electric drives.
Nautic Pro made the start at MS-Marine
Sterk first became known through his company Nautic Pro and the trade in Zar Formenti inflatable boats of all sizes. The resulting Zar Mini brand, i.e. smaller inflatable boats as tenders, was largely due to Sterk's influence on the Italian shipyard and quickly became a sales success - to this day.
The in-house development of the Sport boat Sterk 31 is available in two different versions, Sport and Supersport. These also include a version with a rear cabin. The boats were developed in collaboration with designer Carlos Vidal and naval architect Sasha Vlad. Naturally, Sterk's own experience as a skipper of many years' standing also played a role here.
MS Marine co-operates with Vision Marine Technologies
His latest coup is an exclusive supply contract with Vision Marine Technologies Inc., an American provider of electric drive systems. They can be integrated into selected models of Sterk boats and generate the equivalent of around 180 hp per motor, turning the Sterk boats into high-performance electric boats.
About the person
Milan Sterk trained as an industrial clerk and is a volunteer judge at the Bavarian Administrative Court in Ansbach. He is fluent in German, English, Serbian and Croatian and is characterised by his negotiating skills and strong communication skills. He also has extensive key competences in the areas of boat trading and production, strategic partnerships, international business relations, electromobility in water sports as well as technology and innovation.
The company has a broad industry network and maintains partnerships with renowned engine manufacturers such as Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, Suzuki, Vision Marine, Torqeedo and Tohatsu. It also maintains close relationships with the world's largest boat and engine dealers and leading component suppliers in the industry.
