What started as a small shop for specialized tools has grown into a household name on Curaçao: Motoren Revisiebedrijf Curaçao (MRC). Nearly thirty years ago, Corinne Senior and her husband Eric launched a company focused on all things diesel. Today, their daughter Kristy Senior is at the helm of day-to-day operations, and MRC has become a flexible powerhouse for engine overhauls, maintenance and service.

“It was really Eric’s dream,” Corinne says. “He was a marine engineer and had a deep passion for it. I would’ve never come up with this on my own.” Still, the two built a business that became increasingly specialized. “In the early days we worked on anything with a diesel engine,” she recalls. “But eventually we became the official Cummins dealer on the island, and that gave us a new direction, servicing marine engines, generators, heavy equipment, and eventually launching MRC Marine.”

With the expansion to Parera and the founding of MRC Marine N.V., the work grew more diverse. “At Curaçao Marine, we service yachts that come here to winter,” Corinne explains. “That includes engine maintenance, repowering, truhull repairs and upgrading engine rooms. The work we do there is even more varied than what we do at our main facility.”

Another key part of their marine service is providing shore power solutions for ships. “Once a vessel docks, it often wants to switch to shore power,” Corinne says. “But the marina rarely has the capacity to support that, so we supply high-capacity generators or power converters that bridge the gap.” Such a unit is the size of a shipping container and acts like a giant UPS. “It transforms the island’s grid power into a stable 60 Hz/440V supply, exactly what many ships need. It delivers clean, constant power without the voltage dips you often get with traditional generators.”

Back on land, MRC runs at full throttle. Generators are a major part of their business. “We work for hospitals, banks, insurance companie and the Royal Netherlands Navy,” says Kristy. “They’re one of our biggest clients. We handle preventative maintenance, repairs and parts supply for their backup generators and Metal Sharks.”

During the well-known 24-hour blackout on the island, MRC transformed into an impromptu dispatch center. Staff dropped everything, picked up their partners to not leave them in a dark house, and kept working. A student intern with a tiny car led the fuel truck around the island to help optimize delivery routes. “There was no plan, but we had each other,” Kristy says. “Everyone was thinking: Where am I? Who can I support? What needs doing? And somehow, we kept the essential lights on.” Corinne nods: “Those moments are priceless. That’s when you see the team at its best. Not because someone told them to act, but because they just did.”

So what sets MRC apart? Full in-house overhaul capabilities, deep technical expertise and above all… flexibility. “We rarely say no,” Corinne says. “We once delivered a fully equiped kitchen for a client, just because it was part of a larger contract.” That spirit of yes runs through the entire team. “We’ve got a machine shop, trained staff and everyone steps up,” She adds. “If a client calls at 5 p.m. on a Friday, we’re going.” She laughs. “I’ll never forget the time we got a call at 11:30 p.m. and all we heard on the line was: Kabuya ta lòs!” Which meant the ship could leave on time.

In a male-dominated technical world, Corinne and Kristy have earned their place. “We still get customers walking in asking if a ‘man’ can help them,” Kristy says. “But they can’t even name the part they’re looking for. And then I’ll say: ‘Oh, you mean the rear seal?’ and they just stare at me.” Thankfully, most customers have learned better. “There’s nothing in here I can’t explain.”

Being a family business shows in everything, from the way the team supports one another to how Corinne is gradually handing over the reins to Kristy. “It’s a natural transition,” Kristy says. “I grew up around engine parts. I honestly can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

Corinne agrees. “There’s no hierarchy here. If something needs to get done, even delivering a part ourselves, we do it. And if someone joins as a welder and turns out to love rebuilding engines, we give them that chance. That creates a tight, adaptable team.” The atmosphere is one of mutual respect. “Everyone knows each other’s strengths,” says Corinne. “Today I support you, tomorrow you lead. No egos. Just getting the job done.”

While diesel isn’t going away anytime soon, MRC has its eyes on the future. “We keep up with technical developments,” says Kristy. “And we’re doing what we can to support greener diesel technologies wherever possible.” Another area for growth is trucks. “Cummins engines are increasingly common in trucks, especially now that emissions standards are tightening. That’s a market we’re definitely preparing to step into.”

After thirty years, MRC still stands strong. Not just because of its technical capabilities, but because of its trust, flexibility and human touch. Corinne and Kristy are leading by example, not with big words, but with consistent action. Loyalty to their team. Dedication to their work. And a mindset that says: “Yes. We can do that.”