Automation investments strengthen Okun Koneistuspalvelu’s position in a situation where the significane of security of supply is highlighted and markets are redistributed

The range of customer fields and perfect timing of a large-scale investment programme showed their strength when Okun Koneistuspalvelu navigates through the pandemic mist towards clearer markets. Covid-19 has made many companies focus on the risk management of their supply chains. People want the supply chain to be closer and more recognisable, deems Oku’s Managing Director Päivi Kettunen. The recovery of the technological industry is strongly reflected in Oku’s order book.

The Covid-19 pandemic showed how vulnerable long supply chains based on far-off countries subcontracting are. Due to supply problems, even whole production plants have been forced to close. People have also felt the container shortage and how much damage can be caused when a giant cargo ship is stuck in the Suez Canal.

The situational picture has been alarming for many; they have had to reassess risks. Oku sees the turbulence as an opportunity for growth – appreciation for a close-by supply chain has clearly increased, tells Okun Koneistuspalvelu’s Managing Director Päivi Kettunen.

Automation at the right time

The technological industry communicated in the beginning of August that the industry has eventually recovered well from the Covid-19 low. The volume of orders is starting to reach pre-Covid levels. In the June forecast of the Bank of Finland, the tone was even more optimistic: economy will thrive once the pandemic fades.

Whether it takes longer or shorter, Oku is ready for its customers! The four-year investment programme worth approximately EUR 3.2 million completed in spring last year was at appropriate time when assessed in retrospect. Automation is concretised as quality, security of supply and competitiveness. We have excellent abilities to assume even more demanding assignments.

According to Päivi Kettunen, the Covid-19 year also demonstrated how important the range of customer fields is.

All fields did not plummet at the same time, if they did at all. And regardless of economic cycles, pharmaceutical, food and energy industries are always needed.

Subcontracting fair – now!

One of the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic for Oku has been the cancellation of many important fairs. Annual fairs in Finland and abroad are an important place to meet customers. The realisation of Tampere subcontracting fair in September was therefore long-awaited news.

Knowing a customer’s business is the key. We handle our customer relationship with precision; we are part of many customers’ product development team. Cooperation and in-depth understanding are created between human beings; therefore personal encounters are an important part of a customer relationship.

Tampere subcontracting fair is organised from 21 to 23 September. Okun Koneistuspalvelu’s department number is A 216.

Okun Koneistuspalvelu Oy

Päivi Kettunen
Managing Director
+358 50 5630 669
paivi.kettunen@oku.fi

Okun Koneistuspalvelu Oy is a machining company specialised in the manufacture of precision engineering and precision parts. Precision parts manufactured by Oku are used in aeroplanes, weapons, X-ray and laboratory equipment, paper machines, precision tools, satellites, fibre production equipment and food industry in Finland and abroad. The factories of the company are located in Outokumpu in North Karelia. At the end of 2020, Oku employed 36 professionals. The turnover of the company was approximately 3.7 million euros. www.oku.fi