MLA Business Member Spotlight: Billings Diesel and Marine

You can’t be a commercial fisherman on the coast of Maine without knowing about Billings Diesel and Marine in Stonington. The company was first started by brothers Cecil, Sheridan, Edward, and George Billings as the Deer Isle Stonington Yacht Basin back in 1928. In the decades after World War II when federal shipbuilding contracts had dried up and new fishing dragger construction dropped off, the business found itself in financial trouble. When the Yacht Basin went into bankruptcy, Sheridan Billing’s son, Richard, secured financing for the family business in 1967 and changed the name to Billings Diesel & Marine Service, Inc.

Billings Diesel and Marine Services

Harlan Billings, Richard’s son, ran the business for many years and could always be called on, day or night, to help a mariner in need. He continued to be Billings’ guiding light until his death in 2020. Harlan’s daughter, Suzette Grindle now manages the business in partnership with husband, Peter, and long-time department heads who she refers to as “the glue” that keeps the business together.

“We are a full-service boat yard. That’s always been our strong suit. You can get whatever you need done here,” she said. Billings prides itself on being a one-stop-shop. The company offers boat repairs, repowering, paint, varnish, welding, hauling and storage, plus a ship’s store and marina. With two marine railways and two boat lifts, Billings can handle commercial and recreational boats of nearly every size.

Grindle is proud of what her family has created but also worried about the future. She gives all the credit for the company’s success to the employees who keep the many parts of the business running. Many are looking at retiring during the next decade. “It’s going to be a big deal to replace these guys,” she said. “Fortunately, we have some very promising younger employees that can step up and continue the growth of the business.”

Billings Diesel and Marine has been inextricably linked to the state’s commercial fisheries since its inception and being an MLA business member is part of that tradition. “We’ve always supported our commercial fleet. It was the one thing my grandfather and father always preached: get them fixed and back fishing,” she said. “Uncertainty looms in many areas of the fishing industry today. I hope we can continue to be there for them.”

Billings Diesel and Marine

Moose Island Road

Stonington, Maine 04681

https://billingsmarine.com/

office@billingsmarine.com

(207) 367-2328