Stronger Together in composites
Every project calls for its own approach. That’s why we contribute from the very first design stage, advising on the construction, material selection and production method. With a strong team of specialists, direct communication and technical expertise in-house, we turn complex challenges into smart, precise and manufacturable solutions.
Innovation
We continuously explore and test new techniques. With our 3D printers and a robot capable of 3D printing and milling, we investigate how these technologies can benefit our projects.
We also continue to develop our own curved-panel construction method. It allows us to build without traditional moulds, reducing the need for mould materials and minimising waste. The method is now used worldwide.
Every project brings new challenges and new opportunities to learn. We apply what we learn to future projects and choose the construction method that best suits the product, its structure and its application. When a specific mould is required, we design and manufacture it ourselves, both for our own projects and for external clients.
Craftsmanship
We combine in-depth knowledge of fibres, resins, processing and curing with years of hands-on experience and modern production techniques. From preparation and mould-making to laminating, curing and finishing, we manage every stage of production in-house. This gives us control over the entire process and allows us to work towards a high-quality end product together.
From glass fibre to carbon prepreg, we understand how different materials perform in practice. We also test more sustainable alternatives and natural fibres, assessing their properties, processing requirements and suitability for each project.
Smart and Considered Manufacturing
A well-made product starts with the right decisions. Every project has its own requirements, so we carefully consider what each product needs and how best to manufacture it. By planning the construction, workflow and practical execution from the outset, we can make the production process more efficient and avoid unnecessary complications along the way.
We aim for the right balance between quality, lead time, material use and manufacturability. By making considered choices from the start, we can reduce unnecessary work and waste wherever possible, without compromising on the product’s performance or purpose.
Teamwork makes the dream work
Everyone at PD Composites brings their own skills, experience and expertise to the table. It’s how we put them to work together that counts. We share a commitment to doing a good job, finding solutions and moving projects forward.
People take ownership, think ahead and step in when needed. Whether it means staying a little longer to finish a job, getting things ready for the next stage or working together to organise a lifting operation, everyone does their bit to keep things running smoothly. That sense of responsibility goes hand in hand with looking out for one another.
We’re proud of the skill, dedication and ideas our team brings to the work, and of the way people share their knowledge and support each other. Our machines and technology play an important role, but it’s the people behind them who make the difference. Together, we take on complex projects, find solutions and keep getting better at what we do.
Our story.
From a boyhood dream to a strong team. Our passion for building is still with us. Today, our strength lies in our entire team.
From Building Boats to Building a Business.
Paul knew from an early age what he wanted to be: a boatbuilder. At just sixteen, while still in school, he built a racing sailboat in the Schakel class. It was the beginning of a passion that would eventually grow into his own business.
Paul first encountered composite materials in 2006. Fascinated by their potential, he continued to develop his skills in this specialist field. When he was offered a project in 2012, he decided the time was right to start his own business.
On 13 March 2012, Paul and Marieke registered the company with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. Paul Dijkstra Jachtbouw was officially established. It was an exciting step for both of us; we were still in our early twenties. We invested all our savings in tools and set off on a journey whose eventual scale we could hardly have imagined. The early years were all about finding our feet, working hard and believing in what we were building.
Growing in Uitwellingerga
In 2014, Marieke officially joined the business. What began as a hands-on, all-round role — working in the workshop during the day and handling the administration in the evenings — developed into a joint venture in which we each took on our own roles and responsibilities. Step by step, we built a company centred on craftsmanship, quality and commitment.
As our projects grew in size and complexity, we needed more space and greater capacity. In 2015, we moved to Uitwellingerga. Initially, we worked with freelance specialists who joined us when projects required additional support. In 2018, we reached another important milestone: we incorporated the business as a private limited company and hired our first employee. From then on, we continued to grow, both as a team and in the complexity of the projects we took on.
Innovation and recognition
Innovation has been a constant throughout our history. In 2019, we were nominated for the Boatbuilders’ Award in the Innovation in a Production Process category. Although we did not win, the nomination was valuable recognition of our innovative approach and the progress we had made as a company.
A strong team
What began as a business largely driven by Paul has grown into a close-knit team of 22 people, each bringing their own skills and specialisms. Together, we build high-quality composite structures for the marine industry, ranging from complete hulls to complex components and advanced carbon fibre projects. We combine years of practical experience with technical expertise and a constant drive to develop better solutions.
We started out with a small workshop and plenty of entrepreneurial spirit. Today, we look ahead to new technologies, more challenging projects and further growth. Looking back, we feel a genuine sense of pride: pride in the projects we have delivered, the progress we have made together and, above all, the people who move our business forward every day.
Our passion for building has never changed. What has changed is that the strength behind it now lies in our entire team.
Quality under control
Quality is built into every step of our work. From preparation and material selection through production and final inspection, we monitor the process and check that the result meets the specified requirements. With close attention to dimensions, material processing and technical specifications, we combine craftsmanship with rigorous quality control.
Does a project require additional inspection or certification? Depending on the project requirements, we can work with classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register and Bureau Veritas.