Saxdor builds highly sought-after boats for international waters, combining Scandinavian design, performance, and craftsmanship. LICO has been part of the journey for years, supplying composite components and helping transform the on-water experience.
Founded in 2019, Saxdor has become Europe’s fastest-growing boat brand. Originally a Finnish brand, it is now American-owned and designs and manufactures open boats and cabin models. The company has production facilities in Larsmo, Ostrobothnia, and in Poland, and its revenue has grown to nearly €200 million.
“At Saxdor, our vision is to set a new standard in boating to fulfil boaters’ future needs”, says Ville Kivistö, Head of Procurement at Saxdor. That’s where composites jump aboard.
Light to carry, hard to resist: Why composites are essential for high-performance boats
Saxdor’s boats are designed for day boating, where usability, performance, and striking design take centre stage. Composites used, for example, in hulls, decks, and structures, play a central role in achieving these goals.
“Composites allow for shapes and geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other materials. Also, lightweight directly reduces fuel consumption and increases performance and load capacity. Thirdly, composites offer longevity, as they don’t rust or fatigue,” explains Kivistö.
Collaborating with LICO: What makes a reliable composite supplier
LICO supplied composite components for Saxdor’s earliest models, manufactured in Larsmo, and the collaboration continues today across current boat models.
In Saxdor’s production, the mechanical properties of materials must remain consistent from batch to batch to ensure uniform boat performance, quality, and finish. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic forms of Saxdor boats require precise manufacturing and dimensional accuracy. Concurrently, reliable deliveries are critical to keeping production lines running smoothly.
“The most important requirements for our composite suppliers are consistent quality and reliable delivery,” Kivistö emphasizes.
Over the course, Saxdor has found that the best results are achieved when a supplier is a genuine partner.
“For example, LICO’s experts have visited our factories to discuss solutions, listen to feedback, and co-develop products with the customer. This ensures that components not only meet technical requirements but also fulfil their purpose. Ultimately, it all comes down to the customer experience and the quality of the final product,” Kivistö notes.
One of the most important lessons learned has been the value of effective communication.
“I’ve always had excellent dialogue with LICO. I particularly value their responsiveness. As our growth is rapid, decision-making and action also need to happen quickly, and LICO has delivered along the way,” adds Kivistö.
Navigating forward: How LICO supports Saxdor’s growth
The partnership between LICO and SAXDOR is about navigating forward, together. Kivistö emphasizes that in international markets, growth and competitiveness are built on the entire supply chain. While the boat manufacturer is the face the end customer sees, a high-quality result is the product of many companies working together.
“Behind every high-quality boat is the entire supply chain. In our case, LICO is part of what enables Saxdor to compete on quality in international markets. Our partnership is not merely transactional; it is genuine collaboration. While not all new ideas have yet been implemented in the boats, we see significant potential in LICO’s expertise and development capabilities for the future,” Kivistö concludes.
Key benefits for Saxdor:
- Strong supplier partnerships drive innovation and long-term growth.
- Lightweight composite components enhance fuel efficiency and performance.
- Composite materials enable complex geometries and advanced boat designs.
- Corrosion-resistant materials ensure long service life in marine environments.
- Consistent component quality improves manufacturing reliability.
Composite materials are widely used in boat manufacturing because they combine low weight, durability, corrosion resistance and design flexibility. These properties help boat builders improve performance, fuel efficiency, and product quality while maintaining efficient production.
Why are composites widely used in boats?
Composite materials offer low weight, durability, corrosion resistance and design flexibility, making them ideal for modern boat manufacturing.
What are the benefits of lightweight composite components?
Lightweight components reduce fuel consumption, improve performance, and increase payload capacity.
What makes a reliable composite supplier?
Consistent quality, reliable delivery, technical expertise, and proactive collaboration are essential for long-term manufacturing partnerships.
How does LICO support boat manufacturers?
LICO provides composite manufacturing, technical expertise, product development support, and reliable deliveries for marine industry customers.
Why is supplier collaboration important in boat manufacturing?
Close collaboration improves product quality, helps solve manufacturing challenges, and supports long-term growth.