What Exalto does

Exalto is a family-owned technical wholesaler, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Netherlands, specializing in maritime equipment distribution for shipbuilders, watersport retailers, and commercial shipping operators. The company curates an extensive multi-brand product portfolio spanning steering systems, propulsion components (shafts, propellers, bearings, rudders), electrical systems (Mastervolt chargers and lithium batteries, shore power, solar/wind), trim systems (Zipwake), marine electronics (Simrad), wiper systems, safety equipment, and watersport accessories, complemented by its own proprietary brands — Hollex (electric outboards, ropes, LED searchlights), Lockk (SCM/ART-certified outboard motor locks), and Exalto Wiper Technologies (acquired from Norway's Decca Technology AS in 2022). Exalto operates through three physical locations (Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Grou, and a newly established German subsidiary in Bremen), serves over 2,800 customers across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, and runs both a direct field-sales operation organized by customer segment (shipbuilding, propulsion, watersports, commercial shipping, yacht building) and an e-commerce webshop at shop.exalto.com. The business model is primarily B2B wholesale distribution on quote-based pricing, supplemented by own-brand manufacturing of wiper systems and outboard motor locks, with revenue mechanics driven by inventory turnover, exclusive distributor agreements, and long-tenured preferred-supplier relationships with named shipbuilders and offshore contractors.

Name

Exalto

Legal name

Exalto

Website

https://exalto.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Exalto is a family-owned Dutch technical wholesaler, founded in 1965, distributing maritime equipment and own-brand products (Hollex, Lockk, Exalto Wiper Technologies) to shipbuilders, watersport retailers, and commercial shipping operators across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Equipment Wholesale Distribution

NAICS

Other Commercial Equipment Merchant Wholesalers (42344), Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing (333310)

SIC

Wholesale-Machinery, Equipment & Supplies (5080)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine Safety & Navigation Electronics Retail (PFDs, EPIRBs, GPS, VHF) (CRAMAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Boat & Personal Watercraft (PWC) Retail (CRAMAIAA)

Keywords

• Maritime wholesale distribution
• Shipbuilding equipment supply
• Marine propulsion components
• Watersport retail supply
• Wiper technology systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Hardinxveld

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Wholesale Distribution: Technical wholesale of maritime equipment, shipbuilding materials, propulsion systems, electrical components, and watersport accessories to shipbuilders and watersport retailers.
2. Own Brand Products: Sale of proprietary products under Exalto's own brands including Hollex (marine equipment, pumps, lines), Lockk (outboard motor locks), and Exalto Wiper Technologies products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Exalto is a technical wholesale distributor of maritime equipment, shipbuilding materials, propulsion systems, electrical systems, wiper technologies, and watersport accessories. The company supplies shipbuilders, watersport retailers, and commercial shipping operators with a broad product portfolio combining distributed third-party brands (e.g., Mastervolt, Zipwake, Simrad, JBL, Wolong) with its own proprietary brands (Hollex, Lockk, Exalto Wiper Technologies). It operates from the Netherlands and Germany, serving more than 2,800 professional customers across Benelux and DACH.

Product overview

Exalto is a technical wholesaler operating since 1965, serving the shipbuilding and watersports industries across the Netherlands and Germany. The company offers a unified distribution platform combining its own brands (Hollex for marine equipment/electric motors, Lockk for outboard motor locks, Exalto Wiper Technologies for wiper systems) with distributed products from major maritime brands (Mastervolt power systems, Zipwake trim systems, Simrad electronics, JBL audio, Wolong electric motors, and many others). Product portfolio spans four main categories: Shipbuilding (technical materials, steering, propulsion, electrical, safety), Watersports (accessories, outboard products, boats), Propulsion (shaft seals, propellers, rudders, bearings), and Wipers (marine and rail wiper systems). The company operates an e-commerce platform alongside traditional sales, serving over 2,800 customers with emphasis on technical expertise, rapid delivery, and personalized service.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Exalto Wiper Technologies: Designer, manufacturer and supplier of pantograph and pendulum wiper systems for marine and rail applications.

Products and services

• Technical Wholesale Distribution Service Core B2B distribution service delivering maritime equipment, shipbuilding materials, propulsion, electrical, and watersport products from leading brands to shipbuilders, yacht builders, commercial shipping operators, and watersport retailers.
• Exalto Wiper Technologies Proprietary line of marine wiper systems designed and manufactured in-house for commercial shipping, yacht building, and rail applications.
• Hollex Marine Accessories Own-brand portfolio of marine accessories and lighting products sold through Exalto's distribution network to shipbuilders and watersport retailers.
• Lockk Outboard Motor Locks Own-brand security product line offering outboard motor locks for boat owners, sold via dealers and watersport retailers.
• Exalto Webshop Online B2B ordering platform providing the maritime product catalog with direct access for registered shipbuilders, yards, and dealers.
• Power & Propulsion Solutions Engineered packages combining Mastervolt power electronics, Zipwake dynamic trim control, and Exalto propulsion components for commercial and yacht applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 2,800+ customers across Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and key.

• Navico GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 April 2025Exalto is a proud distribution partner of Navico Group within the maritime sector. The partnership was strengthened during Q1 2025 quarterly meeting, with discussions on market developments, product innovation, and joint growth opportunities. Navico Group is globally leading in maritime electronics with brands including Simrad, Mastervolt, Blue Sea Systems, and CZone.
• Decca Technology AScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 February 2022Exalto Wiper Technologies BV acquired Decca Technology AS operations in February 2022. The acquisition expanded Exalto's wiper technology portfolio, establishing Exalto Decca Wiper Technologies AS (company number 928 002 268) to serve global maritime and rail wiper markets.
• ZipwakecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 December 2021Exalto appointed as Zipwake distributor for Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Zipwake trim control systems optimize comfort and dynamics of boats. This distribution partnership was announced in December 2021 as part of Zipwake's expansion strategy in the Benelux and DACH regions.
• Mastervolt / ASGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution agreement with Mastervolt/ASG for commercial shipping sector. Exalto took over nearly the complete commercial shipping customer base from Mastervolt. Focus on converters, battery chargers, and lithium battery systems for professional maritime applications including ferries and offshore vessels.
• Kooiman Marine GroupkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on electric ferry projects. Kooiman Scheepselektrotechniek received full electrical propulsion systems from Exalto for Nessersluis ferry and other projects. Exalto provided technical expertise, Mastervolt lithium batteries, chargers, converters, and solar panels for autonomous energy solutions.
• HollexkeyChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHollex is a key brand partner for marine equipment including pumps, lines, LED searchlights, and EP motors. Exalto distributes Hollex products including the electric propulsion motors and comprehensive line of maritime hardware.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Navico Group (Distribution business): Global marine electronics and systems group that owns Mastervolt, Simrad, Blue Sea Systems, and CZone, several of which Exalto distributes. While not a direct distributor, Navico's expanding direct distribution in Europe could create overlap with Exalto's distribution arm and is a key brand partner that also acts as a structural reference point.
• International Ship Supply & Trading (ISS-TraVin): A larger multinational ship supply and marine procurement group serving commercial shipping, offshore, and cruise customers. Overlaps with Exalto's commercial shipping segment in electrical systems, propulsion components, and consumables, but operates as a broad incumbent across many verticals and geographies.
• Wärtsilä Marine (Distribution and Services): A global broad incumbent in marine technology, including ship power, propulsion, and lifecycle services. Comparable in that it sells into the same shipbuilding and commercial marine customer base Exalto serves, but at vastly larger scale and as an OEM rather than technical wholesaler.

Direct peers

• Vianen Maritime: Dutch technical wholesaler of marine equipment serving shipbuilders and the recreational marine trade, with a multi-decade history in the Netherlands. Direct competitor to Exalto in the same Benelux technical wholesale channel, with overlapping product categories across shipbuilding fittings and watersport accessories.
• Besto Marine: Dutch marine and watersport equipment retailer/wholesaler with a broad product range covering outboard accessories, safety, and watersport hardware. Comparable to Exalto in the watersport retailer supply side of the Dutch market, with similar customer overlap in recreational boating.
• Speich S.r.l. Italian designer and manufacturer of marine windshield wiper systems (pantograph, pendulum, and oscillating), a direct competitor to Exalto Wiper Technologies in the marine wiper segment. Comparable in product category and customer base (commercial shipyards and rail) to Exalto's Decca Wiper Technologies AS operation.
• Lankhorst Taselaar: Dutch wholesaler of marine and watersport products including ropes, fenders, and technical marine supplies, with distribution partnerships across the Netherlands. Closely comparable to Exalto in customer base (shipbuilders and watersport retailers) and product range, and a long-standing Benelux competitor.
• AH Jansen: Dutch technical marine equipment wholesaler focused on shipbuilding and industrial maritime applications. Comparable to Exalto in the technical wholesale channel to professional shipyards, with overlapping product lines in propulsion, steering, and onboard systems.

Regional players

• Imnasa: Spanish marine equipment distributor serving shipbuilders, ports, and the recreational marine market. Comparable in business model (technical wholesale of marine equipment with own-brand products) but operates in a different geography, primarily Iberia, providing a regional peer reference for Exalto's model.
• W&R Marine: UK-based marine equipment distributor/wholesaler supplying shipyards, commercial marine, and leisure boating customers. Comparable to Exalto in technical wholesale model and customer mix, with overlapping product categories in marine electrical, propulsion, and safety equipment, but focused on the UK market.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Exalto-BV-600949019998575
• LinkedInnl.linkedin.com/company/exaltobv
• Instagraminstagram.com/exaltonl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Exalto