The Japan Times WORLD EYE REPORTS FINLAND
©THE JAPAN TIMES	Sunday, March 10, 2002

From local beginnings to global competition

"During the past 15 years, environmental concerns have really come to the forefront in Japan," said Hannu Vehanen, president of Vehasen -- a leading supplier of Finnish log cabins in Japan. "Here in Finland we have traditionally had great respect for the environment, and this is reflected in the design of our houses." The "terve talo" or "healthy house" philosophy -- in which only natural, enviromentally sustainable products are used in the construction of a house -- has been implemented at Vehasen and at Talo International, their Japanese partner. Natural materials are used throughout; from insulation made of wood pulp to a natural paint of wheat and rye made using a traditional Finnish method.

Vehasen President Hannu Vehanen (right) with Japanese agent Kazuo Takayanagi at the showroom in Tokyo.

Established in 1947, Vehasen is a family-owned company operating out of Finland, with a history of quality and innovation. "In fact," the company president added, "we recently obtained permission to build two-story log houses in Japan. Talo International, our partner, was the first company to gain permission and is currently the only one allowed to do so."

Learning from the recession that struck Finland in the early 1990s, Vehasen has placed increased emphasis on its export market. "In the last ten years, we have seen exports rise from about 30 percent of our business to about 75 percent now," Vehanen said. This year Vehasen expects to ship about 300 houses to Japan, making it the second largest Finnish exporter of log houses to the country.

President and CEO Seppo Martikainen of Ensto (center) shown with his family.

Another Finnish family-owned company that has seen great success both at home and abroad is Ensto. Founded by Ensio Miettinen, and still in family hands, the small electric parts factory has grown into a leading supplier of specialized electromechanical products. It is now a major global player in the development, manufacturing and marketing of electrical accessories. The company's current turnover is now more than $170 million a year.

Active in its four business sectors of: building technology, enclosures and components, utility networks, and industry, Ensto has been serving the needs of construction and the installation of electrical networks around the world.

Providing solutions for drawing electricity from power lines into homes or offices, the company's ample line of products is also backed by a long history of success. As a European competitor, it is seeing new markets and opportunities open up, while continuing to seek partnerships and cooperation in the Baltic and Central Europe.

"It is always difficult to grow from a small company into a mid-sized enterprise. But, we have managed to effectively manage the transition and decentralize power while still retaining the spirit and culture instilled by our founder," said Marjo Raitavuo, director of human resources and communications, and member of the corporate board. This tradition of innovation and competitive, effective solutions should continue to benefit Ensto well into the future.

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