FROM A BASEMENT IN GDYNIA
TO PORTS AROUND THE WORLD

If you’ve seen our timeline on the main page, you already know that since 1980 we’ve come a long way.
Here, we tell the story in full — with moments that can’t be captured in a single sentence.

1980 – A Beginning in the Basement

It all started with Janusz Wilkowski and a small carpentry workshop in the basement of his family home in Gdynia. Alongside furniture, the workshop produced the first wooden steps for sailors, commissioned by the company “Żagiel”. These steps were made from 65 mm-thick boards, kiln-dried at the Gdynia Shipyard — a material that would be a rarity today. The work was intense enough for the planer to wake all the neighbors, while local children eagerly awaited the weekly burning of sawdust piles.

1983 – More Space

The small basement soon became too cramped.The company purchased a former Polish Ocean Lines warehouse in Pomieczyno, in the Kashubia region. It was converted into an office, carpentry shop, and production facility — a place where steps and other wooden items were made.

1986 – First Complete Ladders

Three years later, we received our first order for complete ladders. We earned our first certification from the Polish Register of Shipping and began regular deliveries to Polish shipowners.It was the moment Drewil truly set sail.

1990 – Market Leader in Poland

The company “Żagiel” ceased ladder production, unable to compete with Drewil’s in-house manufacturing of all components. Drewil became the leading domestic producer.

1992 – Expanding Capabilities

We acquired land and a facility in Przodkowo with an assembly hall and workshop, allowing us to expand our range with new products for the maritime sector.

1994 – Large-Scale Production

Construction began on a large carpentry shop in Pomieczyno. Once completed, it enabled the production of 10,000 steps per month.

1996–1997 – Weathering the Storm

The collapse of Polish shipyards caused a dramatic market contraction. Debt write-offs by major clients nearly sank the company. Through restructuring, selling the Przodkowo branch, and converting into a limited liability company, we managed to stay the course.

1998 – First Trade Fairs

We took part in the Baltexpo trade fair, marking the start of regular participation in major industry events.

2000–2002 – Years of Growth

We developed our furniture division, completing major projects such as the full interior outfitting of the Opera Hotel in Sopot. We introduced fiberglass steps, spherical fenders, and 28 mm steps. We exhibited at SMM Hamburg for the first time, entered the German market, and obtained DNV certification.

2010 – Back in the Family

After years, the company returned to the hands of the founder and his family. It was a return to roots, but with a focus on the future.

2011–2013 – Innovation

We introduced the Clamping System and the Scramble Net Men Overboard System — solutions that improved ladder safety.

2016–2018 – Global Ports

We participated in trade fairs in Norway, St. Petersburg, and Athens. Our ladders reached ports around the world.

2019 – New Name, Same Spirit

A rebranding brought a new name — Drewil Entership. We embraced the combination of tradition and modernity.

2020–2024 – Digital Transformation and Recognition

We began digitizing operations, established a LinkedIn presence, and joined the Shipserv, Moscord, and Messpass platforms. In 2024, we received the Orzeł Pomorski (Pomeranian Eagle) award — a recognition of our quality and perseverance.

Today

Drewil Entership combines craftsmanship with technology. We produce pilot ladders that serve sailors worldwide — from Singapore to Rotterdam. Our goal remains the same as in 1980: to create products that can be relied upon in any conditions.