Axopar is one of several boatbuilders that rely on Ukrainian workers in Polish facilities, along with Groupe Beneteau, Galeon, Sunreef and others. With war raging in neighboring Ukraine, Ukrainian Axopar employees are leaving the production line to fight on the front lines of the war against Russia.
Jan-Erik Viitala, founding partner of Finland-headquartered Axopar, said the company is supporting its employees who join the war effort in any way it can.
Viitala said that not only will workers’ jobs be held for them until they can return, but that the company also is in talks about how it can support employees who leave and find homes for their families fleeing to Poland.
Daniel Harding Jr., editor-in-chief of Soundings Trade Only sister magazine Power & Motoryacht, spoke with Viitala to better learn what the war in Ukraine means for Axopar and other builders.
