Päijän Boats Oy is moving the production of its boats to AMT-Veneet Oy’s factory in Kontiolahti. Production will begin in September. The arrangement brings together the expertise of two well-known Finnish brands, improves production efficiency and balances the seasonal fluctuations typical of the boating industry.
Päijän rowing boats and AMT motorboats are known for their high quality. Both companies place a strong emphasis on safety and finish.
“Our key strength is the internationally patented boat manufacturing method developed specifically for our own models. AMT complements this with extensive manufacturing expertise and capacity. Combining these strengths allows us to scale production in a controlled way without compromising quality and provides a strong foundation for international growth,” says Antti Mäkelä, CEO of Päijän Boats.
The new production model makes more efficient use of production facilities, raw material procurement and expertise. AMT’s capacity allows production volumes to increase in line with demand. The current arrangement enables the manufacture of more than one thousand Päijän boats per year.
“Our companies operate in different boat segments, but the expertise, materials and approach to quality required in manufacturing are largely shared. Manufacturing Päijän boats balances AMT’s production schedule and ensures year-round work at the Kontiolahti factory,” says Mikael Winqvist, CEO of AMT-Veneet Oy.
“Päijän is a well-known Finnish rowing boat brand. We share the belief that quality should be evident in a boat’s construction, usability and finish. This makes Päijän an excellent fit for manufacturing at AMT’s factory,” Winqvist continues.
Päijän trains AMT’s personnel
Päijän’s manufacturing method enables a controlled transfer of production to a manufacturing partner. Päijän is currently training AMT’s personnel in boat manufacturing. This ensures that all production stages, manufacturing practices and quality requirements are fully transferred to the Kontiolahti operation.
In 2026, Päijän Boats made a significant strategic decision to outsource the manufacturing of its products to specialised partners. Moving boat production to AMT is the most significant stage of this change. The composite components of the patented Aerot® telescopic oars are also manufactured, and the oars assembled, by a Finnish contract manufacturer, Leomuovi Oy.
Under this partnership model, Päijän focuses on product development, quality management, sales, its brand and building an international dealer network.
Päijän continues operating in the Lahti region
Päijän will continue operating from new premises at Soisalmentie 3, 15860 Hollola, a few kilometres from its current factory. The premises will accommodate a showroom, an online store collection point, boat outfitting and interim storage. The arrangement will not affect product availability, warranty terms or customer services.
The change has been prepared together with the personnel so that none of the permanent production employees will be left unemployed. Some will continue at Päijän in new roles, some have found employment at other companies, and one employee will retire.
“Our current personnel have played a significant role in building Päijän’s next chapter. We wanted to take responsibility for our people and ensure that everyone had a clear plan for the future,” Mäkelä says.
Further information and interview requests
Antti Mäkelä
CEO, Päijän Boats Oy
+358 400 727 333
antti@paijanboats.com
Mikael Winqvist
CEO, AMT-Veneet Oy
+358 13 7373 211
mikael.winqvist@amtboats.fi
Päijän Boats Oy
Päijän is a Finnish rowing boat brand. Its fibreglass boats have been manufactured since 1969, with more than 70,000 produced in total. The range includes rowing boats, accessories and modular, telescopic Aerot® oars.
paijanboats.com
AMT-Veneet Oy
AMT-Veneet Oy is a motorboat manufacturer based in Kontiolahti, with more than 30 years of experience and over 35,000 boats manufactured. AMT boats are known for their safety, handling and high-quality finish.
amtboats.com
