Kewatec, based in Kokkola, builds boats that cannot be found in any catalog. A team of around a hundred people designs and manufactures sophisticated, customer-specific vessels for use by government agencies around the world.
Kewatec is a Kokkola-based manufacturer of aluminum boats and special vessels, with operations built around customer-specific projects. The company has production facilities in Kokkola as well as a maintenance and repair yard in Porvoo. Kewatec employs about a hundred people and also works with an extensive network of subcontractors.
According to Kent Björklund, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Kewatec, the company’s strength lies in its ability to carry out demanding projects from start to finish – from initial design to finished vessel.
Unlike many other boat manufacturers, Kewatec does not sell ready-made models directly from a catalog; instead, each vessel is custom-designed according to the customer’s needs.
”We do have a product catalog with example designs, but in practice we always start from a blank slate and set out to build the solution that best meets the customer’s intended use,” Björklund explains.
The design process consists of multiple stages. In addition to customer requirements, technical solutions and classification society regulations are also taken into account. The result is a digitally modeled vessel where each component and system is precisely defined.
”A boat is not just a product, but a combination of hydrodynamics, technology and intended use. Every project is technically demanding,” Björklund explains.
Customers across the world
Kewatec’s customers are primarily in the public sector. The majority of vessels are delivered for use by authorities, and exports form the core of the company’s business.
”Exports account for roughly 90–95 percent, most of which is direct public procurement by security authorities under defense and interior ministries,” Björklund says.
Kewatec’s operations are directly affected by the tense global security situation. According to Björklund, public procurement, especially in the field of civil security, has increased significantly in recent years.
”We see this very clearly. Authorities in different countries are now investing more than ever in preparedness, border security, and societal resilience. This is reflected in growing demand,” Björklund explains.
The customer base includes, among others, armed forces, police, rescue services, border authorities, pilotage organizations, research institutes and universities. Kewatec also supplies vessels to private operators that provide public services, such as pilotage and passenger transport.
Europe is the company’s largest market, but it also operates extensively beyond the continent.
”Currently, Europe and NATO countries are clearly our largest markets, but we also actively do business in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. We are increasingly being approached from different parts of the world well in advance of the publication of procurements” Björklund says.
Meaningful work
With around a hundred employees, Kewatec has also built an extensive network of subcontractors. Demanding, customer-specific projects require skilled personnel and a well-functioning workforce.
”We do highly demanding work that requires expertise, collaboration and commitment. We are proud to have such a close-knit team,” Björklund says.
Alongside a sense of community, the company values individuality and emphasizes attitude. According to Björklund, every employee has their own role, and not everyone needs to have the same background.
”Technical knowledge is important, but just as important is a good attitude – the ability to solve problems, work together and want to learn. Everyone who walks through this door is different.”
At Kewatec, the employer is seen to be responsible for creating the conditions for success.
”It’s our job to ensure that working conditions, processes and equipment are in order. With a solid foundation, people can do their jobs well.”
The growing order intake is also reflected in recruitment needs.
”Demand is currently very high, and we are confident that the number of employees will increase significantly during this year and the next,” Björklund says.
Kewatec recruits for both production and specialist positions, and some employees have been hired through open applications.
”The latest recruitment came through an open application. This shows that people find it meaningful to work here. Many want a job that matters for safety and society.”
| This article is part of a series about companies undertaking world-class product development in Ostrobothnia. Partners: |
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