Best available
technology only
In 2011, Kesla launched a major KESLA 2015 investment programme. The most significant investments were made in 2013 and 2014. In total, the company invested over €10 million in its production during the decade. According to Production Director Paavo Hopponen, the investment policy is clear: “No replacement investments – we invest in automation and the best available technology.” Paavo Hopponen’s Kesla career began at a time
specifies the configuration of the product. Af-
of strong growth. Many recruitments were made,
ter that, the product is manufactured on the
more temporary labour was hired and the sub-
basis of a pre-planned offering of products and
contracting chain was increased.
equipment. The ERP system made product sales,
“There were no prejudices or mental limitations,
specifications, configuration and assembly more
we just boldly sought growth. All means were
flexible.
used, since demand was high.
Welding is a process in which preparation and getting it right in one go play a crucial role. The ISO 3834-2 certification acquired by Kesla in 2018 helps ensure a good result.
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The rapid pace eventually lasted for less than
KESLA 2015
two years, and then the world economy and Ke-
At the beginning of the new decade, the com-
sla with it went into recession. There were lay-
pany launched the KESLA 2015 investment pro-
offs ahead and also redundancies. At the time,
gramme. One of the most significant individual
even the production manager was only working
investments was a new finishing line. The line
half-time.
was launched in March 2014. In addition to im-
During the period of sluggish demand, Hoppo-
proving quality, the investment of around €3
nen had plenty of time to start reforming Kesla’s
million made it possible to increase production.
production management system in cooperation
“Surface finishing had to be brought to a better
with the financial management. The first inven-
level, with particular pressure from the Central
tory items were transferred to the new ERP sys-
European market. In addition to the quality of
tem at the end of 2010.
the powder-coating, the investment also ena-
The ERP system changed the company’s deliv-
bled better cost-effectiveness and reduced en-
ery method, which switched to product config-
vironmental burdens.
uration. Configure to order (CTO) is a principle
Kesla’s old painting shop only did wet painting.
whereby when placing an order, the customer
In the Central European climate, wet painting
