Dometic: The Future of the Industry
We spoke to Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine to discuss the future of the marine industry and Dometic’s role within it
The last few years have certainly brought dramatic changes in the marine industry. So, what does the future hold? We sat down with Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine to discuss the future of the industry and where Dometic stands.
What has the impact of coronavirus been on the marine industry?
Coronavirus has built an unprecedented demand in marine, in part due to people wanting to social distance with their loved ones on a boat, away from it all. That’s on the consumer side. On the marine manufacturing side, it meant of course much more care and attention to our employees, to keep our valued assets safe. Working from home, spreading out manufacturing cells for employee safety via better social distancing, and far more stringent and mandatory PPE usage, which in many cases was not required in the past. All this led to less-efficient operations, and in some cases, increasing shifts to 24/7 to compensate. This, as well as vaccination not being popular in some regions, has led to employee burnout and absenteeism. With two years of double-digit growth in boating demand, the supply chain has also been affected — many suppliers suffer the same issues, finding it nearly impossible to increase output.
Customisation, automation, and on-demand services are going to be expected features of the future. How is Dometic delivering these through innovation in product development? What can we expect to see in 2022?
One thing Dometic Marine has kept pushing is product and manufacturing innovation. In fact, we have launched eleven new products in the last year that were born in the COVID era. For two of these, we received awards at METS — one being a gravity toilet that was redesigned to use 70% less material and went from non-recyclable to fully recyclable material. The other was a variable speed self-contained unit that is quieter, more efficient, and has ionizer options to clear the air of smells and bacteria. Many of our factories have undergone efficiency improvements with automation for assembly, packaging and machining automation. Our hydraulic/electronic facility is just now implementing our first three ‘Cobots’, which are robots that are designed to work together with employees and not in a protective cage. These improve efficiency and output and keep our employees safe, more comfortable with less repetitive injuries due to the Cobots doing the more difficult work.
What do you think 2030 will look like for the marine industry?
Well, I generally look through my rose-coloured crystal ball, but it’s drawing a blank. However, I can pretty much guarantee a significantly higher electrification and connectivity content throughout the boat model range. 35 percent of boat buyers during this pandemic boating surge were first-time boaters. The industry is unanimous that it is our responsibility to keep them as lifelong boaters. This means we must strive to meet the higher expectations of today’s boaters. If you look at the ‘bells and whistles’ on the boats of today versus ten years ago, it’s astonishing. In short, boats will be much closer to the experience you get in your luxury car, and ease of use will be improved dramatically.
As a leader in marine for a global company, what do you personally hope to see from the industry in the next 5–10 years?
Widespread adoption of newer technologies, products, materials and packaging that are not only accretive to a better boating experience, but that also drive sustainability as the norm — not the exception!
In your time with Dometic Marine, what do you see as the biggest development in the industry that Dometic product innovation has influenced?
In my 35 years with Dometic Marine — the multiple innovations behind hydraulic power steering, electric by-wire steering and a joystick that finally makes your boat steer like a car (and much easier to dock and control). In fact, we have just launched XPA (Xtreme Power Assist) steering which allows cable steering boats to be affordably upgraded to full electric power assist, finally bringing electric power steering to the masses — regardless of boat cost!
Dometic Fast Facts
- Dometic is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and currently employs about 7,700 people worldwide.
- The company had net sales of more than SEK 16.2 billion ($1.8 billion US) in 2020 and R&D expenditures amounted to SEK 357 million or 2.2 percent of net sales.
- Dometic Marine has facilities throughout the US and Canada.
- Dometic Marine products are split into 4 key areas. These include Power and Control, Refrigeration, Climate and Hygiene & Sanitation
- All products are tested to meet different standards and industry requirements. For example, at the end of manufacturing, after the Optimus Steering passes the leak test, is tested on our automated end of line test bench to ensure it exceeds all industry standards including NMMA (National Marine Manufacturing Association), NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association), ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) and SAE electrical and environmental requirements.
Keen to read more about Dometic? Check out this feature.