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In Conversation with Darren Dench – Steering Australia’s Marine Glazing Evolution

In an industry where precision, durability, and aesthetics must coexist in perfect harmony, Integ Marine Group stands as one of Australia’s most trusted names in marine glass and outfitting. What began over two decades ago as Marine Window Services has evolved into a powerhouse operation that today unites three specialist divisions, Integ Marine Glass, Marine Window Services, and Marine Outfitting Solutions, under one seamless identity.

From its bases in Brisbane and Sydney, the Australian-owned company now services vessels across the nation and around the world, delivering custom glass manufacturing, window installation, and interior and exterior outfitting solutions that meet the most demanding safety and design standards. Whether it’s the sleek lines of a superyacht, the functionality of a naval vessel, or the ruggedness of a commercial workboat, Integ Marine Group’s expertise ensures every vessel benefits from precision craftsmanship and lasting reliability.

At the core of Integ’s success is an unwavering commitment to integration and innovation. The company’s unified structure eliminates the common inefficiencies between design, manufacturing, and installation. Instead of relying on multiple suppliers or contractors, shipbuilders and owners can now access end-to-end expertise from a single, accountable partner, one that has spent more than twenty years refining its systems to deliver consistent, world-class results.

This approach not only enhances technical efficiency but also drives sustainability and safety. Integ’s solutions are engineered to withstand the harshest marine environments while reducing waste and ensuring compliance with global certification standards. It’s a model that reflects the company’s broader philosophy: “trusted, innovative, and sustainable marine glazing and outfitting solutions that ensure the safety, longevity, and performance of vessels worldwide.”

As Managing Director Darren Dench leads the company into its next chapter, Integ Marine Group is not simply maintaining Australia’s reputation for marine excellence, it’s redefining it.

By bringing together engineering precision, local manufacturing capability, and international reach, the company is proving that Australian marine innovation can compete on a global stage.

In this edition of In Conversation, Darren shares insights into the company’s evolution, the decision to unite its divisions under one name, and how Integ Marine Group continues to shape the future of marine outfitting and glazing both at home and abroad.

Darren, can you tell us about the journey from Marine Window Services to today’s Integ Marine Group?

Marine Window Services started over twenty years ago as a small, highly specialised operation focused on window installations and refits. As the business grew, so did our capabilities and our clients’ needs. We began manufacturing our own marine glass to maintain quality control, and eventually expanded into complete outfitting solutions. That evolution – driven by client demand and a desire to deliver seamless, end-to-end results, led us to where we are today: Integ Marine Group, an integrated operation that brings together glazing, manufacturing, and outfitting under one banner.

What prompted the decision to unite your three divisions under one brand identity?

The decision came from both practical and strategic considerations. Our three divisions had always operated closely, often on the same projects, but clients still saw them as separate entities. By uniting them under one brand, we simplified how clients engage with us – one name, one team, one standard of excellence. It also better reflects who we are today: a mature, cohesive group capable of delivering complete marine solutions from start to finish. A one-stop-shop as we like to call it.

How does Integ Marine Group differentiate itself in such a specialised and competitive sector?

Our greatest strength lies in integration. We’re not just a supplier,  we’re a solutions partner. Because our design, manufacturing, and installation teams work in sync, we eliminate the friction points that often occur when multiple contractors are involved. That efficiency, combined with more than two decades of hands-on experience, gives our clients absolute confidence in the quality, precision, and durability of every project we deliver. We also hold two ISO certifications, a key point of differentiation in our industry. ISO614 and ISO21005 stand as a testament to the quality we deliver on every single job.

The company’s philosophy centres on trust, innovation, and sustainability, how do those principles guide your day-to-day operations?

They’re built into everything we do. Trust means delivering what we promise – safely, on time, and to specification. Innovation drives us to continually refine our processes, materials, and systems to meet evolving client and environmental standards. And sustainability shapes our design thinking – from reducing waste and improving energy efficiency in manufacturing to extending the life of every installation we complete. These aren’t just values; they’re operational commitments.

What are some of the most technically challenging projects your team has delivered recently?

Every project brings its own challenges, but a few stand out, particularly custom glazing for superyachts and Government vessels where tolerances are incredibly tight, and materials must perform under extreme conditions. We’ve also completed complex refits requiring precision retrofitting of curved glass panels and bespoke outfitting within strict timeframes. Those projects highlight the depth of technical expertise within our team and the strength of our in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

How do you see marine glazing and outfitting evolving over the next decade, especially with sustainability in focus?

Sustainability will continue to be a driving force. We’re seeing growing demand for materials that are lighter, stronger, and more energy-efficient, as well as greater emphasis on lifecycle performance and recyclability. Digital design integration and automation will also play a bigger role, improving accuracy, reducing waste, and shortening lead times. The future of marine glazing and outfitting lies in smarter, cleaner, and more collaborative solutions.

Integ operates across both luxury and commercial sectors, how do the requirements differ between these markets?

Luxury projects include a lot of aesthetics and precision details in addition to the technically aspect – the finish, the feel, and how the design integrates seamlessly with the vessel’s architecture. Commercial and government projects, on the other hand, prioritise durability, safety, and compliance. What sets Integ apart is that we excel in both – applying the same level of technical excellence and care, regardless of whether it’s a superyacht, ferry, or commercial ship.

Can you share how your Australian-based engineering and fabrication capabilities support global clients?

Having our engineering and fabrication facilities based in Australia gives us complete control over quality and production timelines. From our Brisbane and Sydney bases, we can service clients around the world with reliable logistics and consistent standards. Our ability to deploy teams internationally means we’re not limited by geography – we go where our clients need us, while maintaining the integrity of Australian-made workmanship.

What role does collaboration play,between designers, shipyards, and your team, in achieving project success?

Collaboration is absolutely essential. The best outcomes happen when we’re involved early in the design phase, working directly with naval architects, designers, and shipyards. That early engagement allows us to identify potential challenges, streamline manufacturing, and optimise installation – saving both time and cost. We see ourselves as part of the client’s team, not just a contractor.

Finally, what excites you most about the future direction of Integ Marine Group and the broader marine industry?

I’m excited by the opportunities that come with growth and innovation. We’re seeing renewed investment in sustainable marine technologies, smarter vessel design, and advanced materials – and Integ Marine is well positioned to lead in those areas. For us, the future is about continuous improvement, expanding our global footprint, and continuing to prove that Australian expertise can deliver world-class solutions on any stage.

For more information about Integ Marine Group, visit their website HERE