Clinton Johns- Founder & Owner: Fluid Invest Group
Clinton Johns is the Founder of Fluid Invest Group and the driving force behind Phoenix Marine Manufacturing. With more than four decades of entrepreneurial and engineering experience, he has played a pivotal role in shaping advanced manufacturing within South Africa’s blue economy.
A qualified engineer, Clinton holds a BSc in Engineering from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His career spans marine manufacturing, composites, CNC machining, modular construction, product development, and enterprise systems. Throughout this journey, he has consistently combined technical depth with commercial foresight, building businesses that integrate innovation, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
Phoenix Marine Manufacturing was established in 2014 under Clinton’s leadership, at a time when South African catamaran production required renewed momentum and confidence. From the outset, his vision was clear: to build a vertically integrated manufacturing facility capable of delivering world-class catamarans through precision engineering, in-house systems control, and continuous innovation.
Under his guidance, Phoenix has grown into a technologically advanced yard producing 50- and 60-foot luxury catamarans. The company is recognised for integrating hybrid propulsion systems that combine solar, diesel, and sail power in parallel, positioning Phoenix at the forefront of sustainable boatbuilding. Clinton’s commitment to digital twin design, large-scale CNC tooling, and internalised production capability has ensured that the company competes confidently on a global stage while remaining proudly South African.
Clinton’s leadership extends beyond Phoenix. Through Fluid Invest Group, he has brought together a portfolio of specialised companies including Omegaverse, ResinX, Duro, Podhaus, FIGit, The Hub, and Gradiant Property Group. This ecosystem enables strategic support across finance, ERP systems, advanced composites, tooling, and production technologies. The result is a model where each company operates independently yet benefits from shared knowledge, infrastructure, and long-term strategic direction.
Central to Clinton’s philosophy is the belief that innovation must be practical and empowering. He invests not only in machinery and systems but also in people. Skills development, mentorship, and the cultivation of future leaders remain integral to his approach. Many of the artisans, engineers, and managers within Phoenix Marine Manufacturing have grown within the business under his guidance, reflecting his emphasis on internal development and succession planning.
Clinton is known for thinking beyond immediate commercial outcomes. His focus is on building resilient businesses that contribute to industrial growth, technological advancement, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Whether through advanced 5-axis CNC milling at Omegaverse, hybrid marine propulsion at Phoenix, or integrated ERP systems through FIGit, his work consistently centres on raising standards and expanding possibility.
At Phoenix Marine Manufacturing, Clinton’s role is both strategic and inspirational. He sets direction, fosters innovation, and ensures that every vessel leaving the yard reflects the company’s core principles: precision, quality, and purpose.
His career is defined not simply by the companies he has founded, but by the industries he has strengthened and the people he has empowered. Through disciplined engineering, entrepreneurial courage, and a forward-looking mindset, Clinton Johns continues to shape the future of South African boatbuilding and advanced manufacturing.
