Breakthroughs in Boat-Building: VIKAL International’s MX5
In 1982, VIKAL International began building luxury superyacht tenders. Founded by Gunnar Vikingur, an Icelandic immigrant who had been taught traditional boat-building techniques by his father, the Perth-based business creates bespoke pieces for clients all over the globe.
For decades, Gunnar and his team crafted vessels by hand. When their last traditional pattern maker retired, VIKAL faced a major challenge. With few skilled craftsmen available for hire, the only solution was to turn to technology. That’s where we stepped in.
A 5-axis CNC machine for precise plug and mould-making
Initially, VIKAL’s band-aid solution was to outsource their mould and plug production to various machine shops across Australia. That quickly proved to be troublesome, as the inconsistency and lack of quality created more work.
In the search for more control and precision, Gunnar and his son Lynden began exploring advanced CNC machinery.
“We were forced into the machining world after losing our last patternmaker and then losing faith in a string of contractors,” Lynden reflected.
During their search, a unique opportunity came up — for a 5-axis CMS MX5 CNC machine. The machine was on its way from Europe, and the order had been cancelled. It was the perfect fit for VIKAL, and we got it to them in record time.
The installation was seamless, thanks to VIKAL’s well-equipped facility and our experienced team. Within six weeks, the MX5 was fully operational, and we made sure that everything ran smoothly from the moment it arrived.
As exclusive distributors for CMS in Australia, we were thrilled to support VIKAL from the very beginning. With a high-performance game-changer like the CMS MX5 in their factory, the Vikingur’s business was set for success. Our Managing Director, Pierre Sullivan, recalls how smoothly the entire process went.
“Working with a company like Vikal is every supplier’s dream. The process from order, to installation, to final commissioning was seamless. As Vikal custom manufactures all aspects of the boat inside their impressive facility, they had everything on hand to assist with the installation. Whether it was an electrician, plumber or stainless steel welder, everything was available instantly. They look after their machine with impeccable diligence and our regular PM service is just to make sure everything is in order.”
The MX5 quickly became a cornerstone of VIKAL’s operations, allowing them to tackle their precision tasks like never before. From milling and shaping to drilling and mould-making, this machine was designed to meet the rigorous demands of a business like VIKAL. What made it even more valuable was its reliability.
“The MX5 is perhaps the single best piece of machining equipment that the business has ever acquired. It doesn’t take sick days, doesn’t break down, it just works”, remarked Lynden.
The productivity gains speak for themselves.
“We can safely say that our all-in total cost for mold and plug production is now close to halved,” says Lynden.
The value of dedicated support
Beyond serving VIKAL’s internal needs, the MX5 opened new opportunities for the company. It wasn’t long before VIKAL began contracting out the machine’s services to other boat builders, construction companies, and local industries, showcasing the machine’s versatility. Even with this increased workload.
When it hit 2,000 hours of operation, we sent one of our specialist technicians from Sydney to perform a comprehensive maintenance check. Everything was running perfectly, ready to take more on.
We’re proud to have played a key role in VIKAL’s success, stepping in at a crucial time. The CMS MX5 has been instrumental in helping Lynden and his crew push the boundaries of innovation, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern CNC precision to create some of the world’s most unique superyacht tenders. We look forward to continuing our partnership with VIKAL, supporting their journey as they make waves in the marine manufacturing space.
If their transition from traditional handicraft to high-performance luxury superyacht star inspired you, check out Edencraft International’s story next.
