Finnish glass manufacturer supplies fire-resistant partitions for world’s largest cruise ships

A family-owned glass company in Naantali, southwestern Finland, is supplying fire-rated glass partitions for luxury cruise ships built at Meyer Turku shipyard, with exports now accounting for over 65 percent of its production, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

Kaune Oy, founded in 1915, has seen its export share surge from just 2 percent a few years ago, driven by demand for its specialized fire-resistant glass walls. These partitions, which provide 15–60 minutes of fire protection, are used in cruise ships, offshore oil platforms, and yachts. The company’s managing director, Kalle Saksi, attributes part of this growth to high-level trade missions, including a March visit to India with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

“When you’re a new player in foreign markets, credibility is everything,” Saksi told Yle. “Having the president or ministers involved in trade delegations lends significant weight to our negotiations.” While the India trip did not yield immediate contracts, it opened doors for follow-up discussions expected later this year.

Beyond cruise ship interiors, Kaune exports to Germany, France, Italy, the U.S., and—more recently—Turkey, where demand for luxury yacht fittings is rising. The company also supplies fire-rated glass to offshore oil rigs, a sector India is expanding into.

Domestically, new orders at Meyer Turku and Rauma shipyards have secured Kaune’s production pipeline for years ahead. “We can now invest and hire with confidence, knowing we have work lined up for the next three years,” Saksi said. European shipyards in Italy, Germany, and France report full order books through 2036, a trend Saksi calls unprecedented globally.

Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade Ville Tavio, who visited Kaune’s facilities, highlighted broader industry strength: “Finnish marine subcontractors offer highly refined, tech-driven solutions. There’s clear demand for these beyond Finland’s borders.” He noted that geopolitical shifts have also accelerated new trade agreements—such as EU-Mercosur and India-Australia deals—helping diversify export markets.

Kaune employs around 80 people across its operations and has called for greater government support to help small and mid-sized firms expand internationally. The company’s long-term strategy focuses on building lasting client relationships, with over 90 percent of customers returning for repeat projects once they’ve experienced Kaune’s work.

Tags: trade, manufacturing, Finland