The first decorations in Kesla’s history

The first decorations in Kesla’s history were granted in 2018. Pictured from the left Simo Saastamoinen, Aulis Kinnunen, Juha Sarvi and Erkki Lyhykäinen.

“Kesla’s role is to take responsibility for the decoration system as part of Finnish society. We bear responsibility for ensuring that people who have distinguished themselves receive perhaps the most important public recognition in Finnish society, as they deserve,” said Kesla CEO Simo Saastamoinen at the award ceremony of the first decorations in Kesla’s history in Joensuu in December 2018.

Decorations 2018

For the first time in its history, Kesla honoured its long-term employees with decorations in 2018. At that time, Product Designer Aulis Kinnunen and ICT Manager Juha Sarvi were awarded the Cross of Merit of the Order of the Lion of Finland. Maintenance Technician Erkki Lyhykäinen was awarded the Medal of the White Rose of Finland.

Decorations 2019

On Independence Day 2019, Product Designer Paavo Alhainen and Service Manager Kimmo Paakkunainen were recipients of the Cross of Merit of the Order of the Lion of Finland. Teuvo Leppänen, Service Manager, received the First Class Medal of the White Rose of Finland with golden cross. Welder Juha Lehikoinen, Buyer Hannu Kärki, Payroll Clerk Leila Neuvonen and CNC Engineer Jari Ikonen were awarded the First Class Medal of the White Rose of Finland.

Decorations 2020

On the Independence Day of 2020, the honoured Kesla employees were: Production Director Paavo Hopponen, Knight of the Order of the Lion of Finland; assembler Tuomo Makkonen, welder Kauko Turunen and welder Kari Kohonen, who were all awarded First Class Medal of the White Rose of Finland, and spare parts seller Kalle Tiainen, Medal of the White Rose of Finland.

The decoration tradition continued in 2019. Pictured are the recipients and Simo Saastamoinen. From the left: Juha Lehikoinen, Hannu Kärki, Kimmo Paakkunainen, Paavo Alhainen, Simo Saastamoinen, Leila Neuvonen and Teuvo Leppänen.