New name for Brunswick battery, electronics division

Brunswick Corp. has formed a new company called Navico Group which will replace the current Advanced Systems Group (ASG).

The company said Navico Group will continue to be led by Brett Dibkey and represents a complete organizational integration between the legacy ASG business with two key acquisitions that were completed in late 2021 – Navico and Relion Battery LLC.

The newly formed Navico Group will be comprised of brands that serve the marine, RV, specialty vehicle and industrial markets. Those include: Ancor, Attwood, B&G, BEP, Blue Sea Systems, C-MAP, CZone, Garelick, Lenco, Lowrance, Mastervolt, Marinco, MotorGuide, Progressive Industries, ProMariner, Relion, Simrad and Whale.

“The establishment of Navico Group is the next step in cementing its position as the world’s leading supplier of integrated systems and products to industries ranging from marine to recreational vehicle and beyond,” said Dave Foulkes, CEO, Brunswick Corp. “There is no other organization in these industries that can create the same integrated onboard and offboard system solutions necessary to move these industries forward.”

“Combining the powerful history of the Navico brand with the innovative reputation of Advanced Systems Group not only bolsters our ACES strategy but will provide a clear and consistent identity that will help align our internal and external stakeholders,” said Dibkey. “Today’s announcement is a reaffirmation of our commitment to embrace our role as innovation leaders dedicated to advancing and reshaping the industries in which we compete.”

A 48 v lithium-ion battery from Relion, which is part of the new Navico Group. (Photo: Relion)

Navico was created in 2006 through the merger of Simrad Yachting and Lowrance Electronics by their common owners, Altor Equity Partners, a Swedish private equity firm. The marine electronics and sensors specialist was acquired by Brunswick in last year.

Navico Group’s newly integrated operating model will be underpinned by the formation of four strategic business units:

• Power Systems– Developing energy storage, conversion, and delivery solutions for a variety of end-market applications, including ICE generator replacement and marine propulsion.
• Digital Systems– Integrating command and control experiences on- and off-board.
• Fishing Systems– Delivering the “ultimate fishing system” by integrating on-board systems that help anglers catch more fish.
• Performance Components– Building a portfolio of P&A products across multiple categories (fuel systems, lighting, seating, vessel stabilization, water management, etc.) that service multiple end markets.

Navico Group will participate globally under the direction of three regional presidents: Marty Bass (Americas), Ton de Winter (EMEA), and Jarrod Sagar (APAC).

“The regional go-to-market teams led by these accomplished leaders will be focused on optimizing operating infrastructure, streamlining, simplifying customer interactions, and meeting the needs of a diverse customer base,” said Dibkey.