LEADING YANMAR DISTRIBUTOR, NAVELA CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY
Family-run business marks milestone after selling over 5,000 YANMAR engines and driving growth in the maritime sector
Navela, a long-established YANMAR distributor and family-run company, proudly celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special event held last month to honour the company’s legacy of success and innovation. Over the past three decades, Navela has grown to become one of the most respected names in the Croatian marine industry, playing a key role in both the leisure and commercial maritime sectors and selling more than 5,000 YANMAR engines.
Founded in 1994 by Nevenka Čalić, Navela has evolved from a small business into a market leader, setting the standard for service, innovation, and long-term growth in the Eastern Adriatic. This journey has been driven by Nevenka’s hands-on leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to her customers and partners, including YANMAR, with whom Navela has enjoyed a 30-year partnership. Nevenka is supported by a great team which includes her daughter, Ana who is also key to the business’ success. Ana started working at the company in 2014 and currently holds the position of Business and Marketing Development lead, a role she has held since 2022.
To celebrate the milestone, Navela and Ana held a commemorative evening event attended by 85 guests from the boating industry, including boatbuilders, dealers, refit shipyards, fleet operators, aquaculture stakeholders and members of the broader business community. This followed a Women in Nautica event earlier in the day, an incredible initiative dedicated to empowering women in the marine industry, which was also sponsored by YANMAR. Nevenka was instrumental in the event, inspiring attendees with her insights and passion for advancing women in marine with Ana supporting as moderator for the entire event.
Commenting on the milestone, Nevenka Čalić, CEO and Founder of Navela, said: “From the beginning, I envisioned Navela as a company that would not only grow but also lead. Over the past 30 years, we’ve worked hard to build a strong reputation, and our success is built on the trust and loyalty of our customers and partners. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited for what the future holds as we continue to adapt to new market trends, including sustainability.”
Navela’s ability to anticipate and respond to market changes has been instrumental in its growth. By focusing on long-term development and customer satisfaction, the company has consistently stayed ahead of its competitors. Its strong dedication to the YANMAR brand and a customer-centric approach have been critical in maintaining Navela’s leading market position.
Floris Lettinga, Director of Sales and Marketing at YANMAR Marine International, praised Navela’s impact in the region: “Navela has been an outstanding partner for YANMAR for the last 30 years. Nevenka’s leadership and complete dedication to YANMAR and her customers have made Navela a reliable distributor in the region. Her strategic vision, combined with her proactive role in both the leisure and commercial marine sectors, has helped us grow in the Eastern Adriatic. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone together and look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”
Looking ahead, Navela and YANMAR are aligned in their focus on future trends, including sustainability. As the maritime industry begins to adopt more sustainable practices and solutions, Navela is well-positioned to continue leading the market in this area, thanks to its forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of customer needs.
For further information or images, please contact the YANMAR team at McKenna Townsend by calling +44(0)1425 472330 or emailing yanmar@mckennatownsend.com
About YANMAR Marine International
YANMAR Marine International (YMI) is driven to create innovative, environmentally responsible marine propulsion solutions through the exploration and progression of advanced technologies. With sustainability at its heart, the YMI mission is to meet the evolving needs of its customers as a trusted partner, supplying cutting-edge products and systems which enhance our customers experiences.
The sustainable solutions from YMI are built to help customers take the next step on their journey to minimize their CO2 footprint, while fulfilling their appetite for life-affirming adventure on the water and requirements for onboard comfort. YMI continues to grow its network of service centers worldwide, providing quick and reliable support in over 130 countries.
Headquartered in Almere, The Netherlands, YMI is incorporated within YANMAR’s global operations. With its beginnings in Osaka, Japan in 1912, YANMAR is driven by its founding mission to benefit mankind and by a pioneering spirit for world-leading technology across seven business domains on land and at sea.
YANMAR has continued to expand its range of products, services, and expertise to deliver total solutions as an engine and equipment manufacturer, providing small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine engines, machine tools, and components.