Meet Ralf Sohlström from our member company Aurajoki Oy
Who are you?
My name is Ralf Sohlström and I am working as Business Director at Aurajoki Oy responsible for the operations of our Turku factory.
What is your company specialized in?
Aurajoki can supply you with the most versatile and comprehensive range of surface treatments of metals as the leading operator in the field in Finland. Our services cover, among others, hot-dip galvanizing, electroplating, anodising and powder painting. We can provide your products with the best possible protection against corrosion as well as a stylish, mechanically and chemically resistant surface to anything you need.
We have 6 factories in Finland, and our Turku factory is specialised in electrolytic coatings and powder painting which are done under the same roof. We provide over 50 different types of electrolytic coatings. Our powder painting line is 170 m long and can handle products up to 6,5 m long.
Tell us about your clients and other key shareholders or partners?
We have a wide range of different kind of customers manufacturing metal products in Finland and abroad. Aurajoki is a trusted partner in shipbuilding coating solutions and has a long history of supplying powder painting and coatings to ship building industry.
What services or products do you offer to other YardMate members?
Aurajoki can help in achieving the most cost competitive total solution with optimal lifetime. To other YardMate members we have mainly supplied powder painting and anodising of aluminium constructions, including cruise vessel balconies. We have provided surface treatments in our customer’s and co-subcontractor’s specific need for ship decoration as well. Aurajoki has also delivered hot-dip galvanizing for piping systems on board and for steel structures, handrails, staircases etc. With the help of Aurajoki ship-owners and shipyards can plan and design structures, surfaces and components with the best possible coating solution.
Aurajoki is always looking for new innovations to help our customers get the best surface treatment for their products. For instance, the current situation has given us a chance to protect the end users as well as we now provide a new sort of powder painting. It has top finish that is antibacterial and inhibits the growth of bacteria on the painted surface, including COVID-19.
What are your expectations for YardMate?
From YardMate we expect new contacts and inquiries from metal construction manufacturers for the shipbuilding industry by networking with the other YardMate members.
What are your future needs regarding personnel?
Our need of personnel will increase in the future as the demand from shipyards is increasing. Our aim is to grow our position in the field as a operator that provides more sustainable solutions of surface treatment without wearing out the environment.
What are your future needs regarding sub-contractors and partners?
Hopefully we can through YardMate find partners for joint product development and offerings.
Anything else you wish to say to us?
When it comes to coating in marine environment Aurajoki is your partner in the most sustainable and visually appealing coating solutions.
Meet Jukka-Pekka Joutsen from our member company Kotopro
Who are you?
I am Jukka-Pekka Joutsen Sales Manger in Kotopro Oy. I have worked now in Kotorp 8 years. I have strong experience it-sell. Also I have 15 years of experience in building quality-, environmnet- and health and safety ISO-standard management systems.
What is your company specialized in?
Kotopro is mobile document application. Document at the site and make final notes with computer if needed. You can take pictures, write or dictate notes and receive a full report by one click with Kotopro. No more paperwork, sorting out pictures or revisiting the site! This way you need less working hours to earn exactly the same amount of payment.
Tell us about your clients and other key shareholders or partners?
We have all kind of customers all-around of Finland: Contractors, subcontractors, real estate management, industry, teaching, technical consulting, cleaning industry, job training, distance learning, Health and Welfare Sector, psychotherapy, healthcare and safety.
What services or products do you offer to other YardMate members?
Documentation becomes an easy part of the day-to-day work with Kotopro. You can authorize the people concerned to create or review documents for free. All documents and reports stay in one place for both management and clients to easily access and monitor during the work process.
What are your expectations for YardMate?
I look very keenly to meet YardMate members and how Kotopro can help in managing and growing their business.
What are your future needs regarding personnel?
Develop sells and communications skills.
What are your future needs regarding sub-contractors and partners?
I wait for good co-operation that lead win-win to both side.
Anything else you wish to say to us?
It is great to be part of the YardMate Members.
Meet Roope Riihimäki from our member company Menevä
Who are you?
Roope Riihimäki, salesman for Menevä Taxi Center.
What is your company specialized in?
Taxi services for contractual business customers and consumers.
Tell us about your clients and other key shareholders or partners?
We have all kind of customers all-around of Finland: Government, companies, hotels, restaurants, medical sample deliveries etc.
What services or products do you offer to other YardMate members?
Competitive and clear pricing: fixed prices, no hidden fees.
Environmentally friendly: efficient fleet management, hybrid and electric cars, vans and buses.
Meet & Greet -airport and hotel pick up service. Detailed invoices and reports.
What are your expectations for YardMate?
We expect that with YardMate we can find new partners and clients to serve.
Anything else you wish to say to us?
We wish better times to everyone regarding the present pandemic situation.
Having the right connections and networks can play key role while bringing new innovations to market.
YardMate CEO Kari Härkönen’s article in Turun Sanomat (19.06.) editorial page emphasizes the importance of networking and relationships in productization – all the things YardMate offers to it’s members.
Click the picture to read the article in Finnish.