McKay Strengthens Marine Capabilities with Acquisition of M&I Electrics Limited

The acquisition comes as the Northland-founded company continues to make waves in the marine sector, expanding its marine services.

Since April 2025, the skilled workforce of MIE has been fully integrated into McKay. They will continue to operate under the MIE brand as part of McKay’s National Marine division, with Harley Freeman and Tracey Aukett, former Directors of MIE, remaining with the brand in management roles.

Marine and Industrial Electrics was formed in 1997 by Allan Delaney and Philip Freeman.

Upon Phillips’ retirement in 2019, Phillips’ son, Harley Freeman, and Tracey Aukett took over the business, continuing to build on its nearly three-decade-long legacy as a trusted electrical service provider to the Whangārei marine industry.

Throughout the years, McKay and MIE have worked alongside one another, collaborating on numerous large-scale projects, including an extensive refit of R.V. Hydra, a 183 ft Ice-Class Oceanographic Research Vessel that set sail from Whangārei in early 2025 following successful sea trials.

“This acquisition is more than just a business decision; it is an opportunity to leverage our combined strengths to deliver innovative solutions to our clients. As we integrate MIE’s expertise into our marine projects, we are positioned to meet the evolving needs of the marine industry with renewed strength and creativity.” Said Mark McGinley, McKay’s Executive General Manager – Technology.

McKay, established in 1936, now has more than 600 employees throughout New Zealand, and a growing presence overseas.

McKay’s marine capabilities have garnered global recognition for their role in major marine system integration projects.

In early 2022, East by West Ferries launched Ika Rere, the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully electric, zero-emission passenger ferry, with McKay providing the electrical design and installation.

In San Francisco, McKay is set to serve as the electrical systems integrator for the Liwa Class ferry program with Golden Gate Ferries. This project will see McKay’s award-winning Alarm, Control, and Monitoring System (VCAM) integrated into eight state-of-the-art ferries by the year 2033.

As McKay continues to strengthen its position in the marine sector by uniting their expertise and resources, both companies are poised to enhance their offerings and drive innovation in the industry for their valued clients in the marine community.