“At some point, I felt like my previous job was no longer the kind of job where I could do things the way that would really serve the clients. During my maternity leave, I started thinking about what to do next, and I decided to study something completely new.”

A new direction in engineering

The change in field took some careful consideration for Johanna. She considered future job opportunities and ended up studying mechanical engineering at Lapland University of Applied Sciences:

“Mechanical engineering felt right, especially because it also allows you to work with your hands. I like designing, but also the fact that I get to implement and test things myself.”

During her studies, her focus shifted further to plastics technology, which she studied as a cross-curricular subject at Satakunta UAS. This eventually led to her applying for an internship at companies in the field, and is how she eventually landed at our doorstep.

From an internship to a permanent role

Johanna Lonnakko started at V.A.V. Group as an intern on a project related to new raw materials. Project work, thesis, and production tasks ran parallel for a long time. In her thesis, Johanna developed a tool for the TPE line that made it possible to streamline product manufacturing and reduce errors. The solution proved so effective that it was decided to keep the work as internal company information!

As graduation approached and a position opened up at the company, the transition to a permanent role came naturally.

A diverse role keeps the work interesting

Johanna’s workdays vary greatly. The work includes design, 3D printing, production work, quality assurance, and material development.

“Sometimes I can spend weeks on the computer designing and making reports, and other times I’m in production developing and testing new solutions. That variety is what makes the work meaningful.”

According to Johanna, one of the best parts of the job is the opportunity to take ideas from start to finish yourself:

“In many larger companies, the designer designs, and someone else creates the product. Here, you get to make, test, and develop things yourself until they are finished. It teaches you the process in a completely different way.”

Striking a balance between work and home life

The work community gets a special mention from Johanna. In a small organization, cooperation is smooth, and help is easy to get.

“It’s easy to be here, easy to come to work in the mornings. You don’t have to play any role; you can just be yourself. Everyone knows each other, and you can get help quickly since you always know who to ask.”

In contrast to work, her everyday life revolves around her family. Her two young children waiting at home make sure that the evenings are never boring. In addition, her free time includes agility practice with her dog, motorcycle riding, and 3D printing – a hobby that found its way home from her studies.

“I got into 3D printing when I was a student. Nowadays, the plastic printer is sometimes almost like a television for the kids, it’s fun for them to watch while the printing is in progress, especially if I’m printing something for them”, she laughs.

Welcome, Johanna, to your new position at V.A.V. Group!

Artikkeli Meet Johanna Lonnakko: Design & Quality Engineer julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

As regulations increase and require environmental data at the project level, our customers need verified product information to complete their calculations. To provide our customers with the right documentation, we at V.A.V. Group turned to Reforest Finland Oy for help.

Sustainability requirements are going through changes

According to Atte Borgenström, CEO of sustainability consultancy Reforest, the change in mindset over the past few years has been dramatic.

“We’ve worked with sustainability reporting and carbon footprint calculations for years – carbon footprint reporting has been the core of our work for a long time. But regulation is tightening fast, and requirements keep growing. As a result, companies now need much broader solutions than before.”

Reforest, founded in 2020 and located in Tampere, Finland, supports companies with sustainability reporting, carbon footprint calculations, EPDs, and other environmental assessments. While interest started off slowly, in recent years the demand has accelerated rapidly.

“The number of inquiries has increased massively. Around 2021, sustainability was still often seen as something close to charity. Today, decision-makers understand that it’s an essential part of doing business.”

A combination of EU regulation and market pressure drives this shift. Larger companies increasingly require verified environmental data from their suppliers, which means smaller and mid-sized manufacturers must also be able to provide credible, standardized information.

What the EPD covers

An EPD is based on a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a product. It usually applies to construction products, where environmental performance plays a key role in project-level calculations.

“An EPD shows the environmental impacts of a product across its entire life cycle – from manufacturing and use to end of life. That includes CO₂ emissions and other greenhouse gases, but also impacts on water and ecosystems,” Borgenström explains.

The result is a detailed document containing a large amount of quantified data. While this may seem complex at first glance, its value becomes clear at the project level.

“A building consists of many different components. By combining EPDs, you can calculate the total carbon footprint and environmental impact of the entire building.”

Because EPDs follow harmonized standards and are third-party verified, the data is consistent and comparable, something that unverified calculations cannot guarantee.

Why this matters to us

One of the key strengths of EPDs is that they are always produced according to the same rules. All assumptions must be justified, and nothing essential can be left out.

Once the calculations are complete, the EPD is reviewed by an accredited verifier, who checks the methodology, data sources, and results before approving publication. Verified EPDs are public documents and can be found in databases such as EPD Hub.

A verified EPD is valid for 5 years, provided the product’s composition does not undergo significant changes. If production methods, materials, or energy sources change during that time, updating the EPD can help reflect improved environmental performance.

This is the first EPD calculation for V.A.V. Group and, as such, a starting point for continuous evaluation and improvement of materials, production, and recycling processes to achieve even better results in the future.     

What if a product has no EPD?

If a product does not have its own EPD, generic emission factors are typically used in building or project calculations. While this allows projects to move forward, the results are often less accurate and frequently less favorable than product-specific data.

“For manufacturers operating in Finland and other regions with energy-efficient production and low-carbon electricity, this can be a missed opportunity,” Borgenström notes.

EPDs make it possible to demonstrate real differences between products, especially when compared to alternatives manufactured under very different environmental conditions.

Ask our team for more details!

Reforest carried out the EPD calculations for V.A.V. Group’s products, supporting the process from life cycle assessment to third-party verification. For broad product portfolios, EPDs can often be created for product groups within defined variation ranges, making them a practical and scalable solution even when individual product variants are numerous.

You can now find EPD verifications for our silicone profiles and our TPE sealing profiles on EPD-Hub or by following the links below!

As sustainability expectations continue to evolve, EPDs offer a stable foundation grounded in data, verified by third parties, and increasingly essential for doing business in construction and industry. We at V.A.V. Group will continue to do our part in providing up-to-date documentation on our materials and products.

Artikkeli V.A.V. Group Shares EPD Verifications julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

What is a profile extrusion die?
A profile extrusion die is a custom-made tool used to shape materials, such as silicone and TPE, into a continuous cross-sectional profile.
 As the material is pushed through the die, it takes on the exact shape of the opening, allowing for the precise production of items like seals, gaskets, and other industrial profiles. 
Silicone profile is then additionally run through an oven so that it will retain its shape.

Meet the brief

One of the key advantages of V.A.V. Group’s process is the seamless integration of in-house metal 3D printing with design expertise. With our engineer Arttu Juntunen at the helm, new tool concepts can be rapidly turned into physical prototypes using the company’s metal 3D printer. This not only accelerates development but also allows for immediate hands-on evaluation of form and fit before any metal tooling is made.

The first step is always understanding the customer’s need for a certain profile. Together with our sales team and the customer’s representative, we gather all the necessary information to see how we could find the right solution. Careful planning is crucial, as that is how we find the right manufacturing process for the profile and calculate the costs of manufacturing. Once the project has been green-lighted, the process itself is relatively swift: within two weeks, we will have designed and 3D-printed the tool and will be ready to make your prototype. Usually, it only takes minor tweaks here and there by hand to reach the final product.

V.A.V. Group works closely with its customers to avoid mistakes. The customer usually knows the basic needs of their new profile – the shape, material, heat resistance, etc. Most customers deliver all the information along with images, blueprints, and measurements, but if those are unavailable or the customer is placing their first order, our salespeople are experts in their field and will help the customer with the specifications.

Custom is the new standard

By printing and testing the extrusion of prototypes on-site, we can significantly reduce sample time and optimize the tools before moving on to full-scale manufacturing. Depending on the tool, the printing will take from one to three days. This streamlined approach shortens the feedback loop and ensures that by the time a tool reaches the production line, it’s already well-refined, minimizing downtime and improving overall production run time. The result is a faster path from concept to tested profile, giving customers quicker access to tailored solutions.

V.A.V. Group has used a 3D printer since 2017, but our custom extrusion dies go back a long way. EDM wire cutters are still relatively common, but the efficiency of a 3D printer is unbeatable. 3D printing is not always faster than EDM wire cutting, but it’s more efficient, as the printer can handle several extrusion dies and does most of the work. All we need to do is make tiny adjustments by hand, and often not even that. The printer is so much more accurate than any welder or cutter. The number of custom tools we have created is in the thousands by now, given that we design around 50 custom tools per year.

Aside from a few staple profiles, every profile is unique and requires its own tool. Even though the term “custom-made” is linked to a higher price tag in consumers’ minds, it’s the complete opposite in B2B solutions. It’s either a custom extrusion die or altering common profiles. By running the quick math, one custom tool that is technically eternal will make every inch of the profile cheaper the more you produce.

How to get your custom profiles

V.A.V. Group has a customer-oriented and flexible approach to profile manufacturing. Learn how to get your bespoke profiles in four simple steps.

Learn more

Artikkeli Crafting Innovation: 3D Printing for Quick & Custom Solutions julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

A culture of clarity and community

Our employees highlighted two everyday strengths: clarity in their own goals and a strong understanding of customer expectations. In fact, nearly 80 % of respondents felt they knew what was expected of them and what customers needed.

Equally important, the sense of community shines through in the answers. Collaboration with colleagues, support from peers, and overall work well-being were all rated highly.

Major improvements in the workplace environment and leadership

The results also revealed some impressive improvements in our physical work environment and leadership practices. Ratings for cleanliness and order increased significantly and were also valued as key factors by employees. Leadership earned recognition, too. Employees noted stronger support for skills development and significant progress in how management listens and responds to staff input.

Communication and onboarding to be improved next

While the results are very positive, the survey also points to areas where we have room for improvement. Communication, particularly in rapidly changing situations, remains below average, as do some aspects of onboarding.

V.A.V. Group has already taken steps to improve these areas. Ideas such as regular small-team meetings, clearer onboarding practices, and structured training checklists are being put into action. We hope that these efforts will ensure smoother information flow, consistent quality, and an easier integration for new employees.

Adjusting to new challenges: Cattle brush production

One of the biggest changes has been the launch of the FinnEasy cattle brush production at V.A.V. Group’s facilities. Survey responses reveal both enthusiasm and healthy curiosity: many see the new product line as motivating and a welcome change of pace, while others express understandable questions about its impact on roles, processes, and resources.

A recurring theme in all of the feedback is the willingness to succeed together. With open dialogue and clear responsibilities, employees are ready to turn this new chapter into a success story.

Looking ahead with confidence

The responses from our employees show that we’re moving in the right direction and that V.A.V. Group is stronger than ever as a workplace. With clear goals, supportive leadership, and a positive atmosphere, we want to create a workplace culture that enables both our people and our business to grow.

With this foundation, V.A.V. Group is looking to the future with confidence, committed to listening to its people, supporting their growth, and building sustainable success together.

Artikkeli V.A.V. Group Employee Survey Results julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

One of the year’s biggest milestones was the completion of our new workshop dedicated to the EasySwing cattle brush. Bringing the production fully to Ii has improved our quality control, strengthened our delivery reliability, and reinforced our long-term commitment to this wonderful product.

Throughout 2025, we also highlighted stories from across our customer and employee community. We introduced new colleagues such as Teija Kyllönen and Heikki Veijola, each bringing valuable expertise to our team. We gave spotlight to our customer partnerships that demonstrate how versatile and solution-driven manufacturing can elevate entire industries, from Halton’s indoor air solutions to Greenled’s energy-efficient lighting, from Muovilami’s bespoke doors to the long-term aluminium partnership with Mäkelä Alu.

Sharing these stories has shown us once again that our work is about people, collaboration, and creating something better together.

As the new year begins, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to our customers, partners, and team for making the past year exceptional. We look forward to continuing to collaborate, innovate, and grow together in 2026.From all of us at V.A.V. Group: Happy New Year!

Artikkeli New Year 2026: Looking Back at Our Anniversary Year julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Thank you for being part of our year — whether through projects, partnerships, or the conversations we’ve shared. We look forward to continuing our work together in 2026.

Warm holiday wishes from all of us at V.A.V. Group, and a happy New Year!

Artikkeli Wrapping Up for the Holidays julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Heikki trained as an electronics technician and began his career with Nokia, later working as an electrician for several years. The company was already familiar to Heikki thanks to his brother, who worked here when Heikki joined in 2012. What drew him here was simple but meaningful: the opportunity to work locally while contributing his technical know-how to a growing production environment.

Since then, Heikki has been a familiar face on the profile production line. Over the years, he’s built up deep knowledge of our processes and products, which naturally led to his promotion to shift engineer in 2025. In his new role, he spends much of the day on the move: supporting line workers, advising on production methods, and making sure everything runs smoothly. “The work is diverse, and the day goes by quickly,” he says.

Heikki describes his colleagues as a team that gets along well and makes everyday work easier. His calm and practical approach has made him a trusted point of contact for the team.

Outside of work, Heikki is passionate about music. He plays guitar in two orchestras, performing at local events and gatherings, a hobby that adds rhythm and creativity to his daily life.

We’re excited to see Heikki bring his steady energy and experience into his new role as shift manager. Congratulations on this well-earned next step!

Artikkeli Meet Our New Shift Manager: Heikki Veijola julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Greenled solutions are designed with the product’s life cycle in mind. Long life, serviceability, upgradeability, and reusability are key product features that support sustainable and responsible lighting. Energy efficiency and intelligent control solutions help customers reduce their carbon footprint and energy consumption significantly. Greenled doesn’t just offer lights, but complete solutions that meet the lighting needs of today and tomorrow – cleaner, smarter, and longer-lasting.

„Our specialty is handling the largest, most challenging renovations, for example, in the food or heavy industry. Installations are carried out at night, with the customer’s production in mind. This also keeps things safe for both customers and our installers.“ – Niko Kaivosoja, Key Account Manager, Greenled

Common roots in Northern Finland

Greenled and V.A.V. Group share not only a home in Northern Finland but also the same values of domesticity, quality, and sustainability. Greenled was involved in the expansion and renovation of V.A.V. Group’s facilities, supplying and installing new, energy-efficient LED light fixtures throughout the production area and offices. While Greenled provides the lighting for our facilities, we also supply the gaskets for their fixtures, making us both a customer and a supplier, and highlighting how our core strengths complement one another.

„It is important to us that the components for the luminaires come from Finland. When the components are reliable, we can guarantee quality products with a long warranty period.“ – Niko Kaivosoja

The cooperation between our companies is natural: both invest in domestic production, technical quality, and long-lasting solutions that serve customers and the environment. Shared values and common ground make the partnership between Greenled and V.A.V. Group sustainable.

V.A.V. Group’s production facility renovation

Replacing the lighting was an important part of the renovation of our premises. Greenled’s system makes it possible to adjust the light output to the needs of different parts of the hall and offices. This means that every workstation gets the right lighting, and no one has to suffer from too little or too bright lighting.

 „The old fluorescent tubes went out regularly, and replacing them at 6 metres is not easy. Our old hall has had Greenled lighting for over five years, and in that time we have not had to replace a single bulb.“ – Pasi Vilén, CEO, V.A.V. Group

The update was a significant improvement over the previous fluorescent lighting. LED lighting is also cost-effective in terms of both energy consumed and maintenance requirements.  The switch from fluorescent to LED also resulted in notable energy savings. New controls are also playing their part in improving energy efficiency:

„The new controls also save energy. The factory is divided into sectors, and if there are no people in one sector, the lights in that sector will automatically slowly dim to 20%.“ – Niko Kaivosoja

Smart lighting

The new LEDs take into account the natural fading of lights. When the light fixtures are installed, their brightness is set at around 80%, and as the power of the LED fades over the years, the brightness can be increased to compensate without having to replace the lights unnecessarily. The durability of LED luminaires is most affected by temperature, as high temperatures can reduce lighting efficiency. A renovation of the air conditioning system around the same time ensured that the conditions in our factory are now also good for the new lighting, so they will easily last up to 150 thousand hours. The difference with the former is nothing but positive:

„The lighting upgrade and replacement for V.A.V. Group went very smoothly thanks to Greenled, and the new LED lighting has significantly improved working conditions and safety at work.“ – Pasi Vilén

V.A.V. Group as Greenled’s domestic component supplier

V.A.V. Group has been supplying components for Greenled’s light fixtures for many years, starting in 2018. The life cycle of the light fixtures is a key part of their quality, so the light fixtures‘ seal must also be durable. If one component of a light fixture becomes brittle before the others, the durability of the entire fixture is compromised.

To ensure quality, Greenled light fixtures are sealed with a silicone profile manufactured by V.A.V. Group. Silicone is a versatile material. It can be adapted to provide excellent resistance to temperature changes, humidity, UV radiation, or various chemicals. Choosing the right material for the profile is important. Outdoor lights especially are going to take quite the beating in the rapidly changing Finnish weather.

A relationship that has lasted for years is the result of many factors. In addition to Greenled’s focus on domesticity, our fast delivery fits the needs of Greenled’s busy schedule. Practical factors also play a role: we offer tailor-made solutions according to our customers‘ needs. For Greenled, this means that we shape the profile into frames that are measured to fit the light fixtures and apply adhesive tape to the frames to make installation quick and easy on Greenled’s end.

Collaboration sealed for success

The cooperation between Greenled and V.A.V. Group is an example of what happens when two domestic specialist companies combine their expertise for a common goal. We want to invest in quality, sustainability, and development – not just in words, but in practical solutions that stand the test of time. Together, we are building not only more efficiently lit and sealed products, but also a more responsible and vibrant Finnish industry. This partnership is not just a rational choice – it is a natural extension of our common roots and shared vision for a sustainable future.

Artikkeli Customer Story: Greenled julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Halton Marine, Energy, and Infrastructure (MEI), also known as Halton Marine, is part of the global Halton Group and develops advanced ventilation and safety solutions for demanding environments, ranging from offshore platforms to cruise ships. At the Lahti factory in Finland, components are transformed into final products that must meet strict international safety standards. One key supplier has played an important role in this process: V.A.V. Group.

Looking for a Fast, Flexible, and Reliable Supplier

Purchasing Manager Merja Kauto recalls that the collaboration began a decade ago when Halton Marine needed seals cut to exact lengths. “We are a project-based company, and we were looking for a supplier who is flexible, fast, and reliable. That’s when V.A.V. Group became our partner,” she explains.

Today, V.A.V. Group delivers seals for a wide range of Halton products, particularly fire dampers used on ships. These components play a vital role in passenger safety. In the event of a fire, the dampers close to prevent flames and toxic gases from spreading to other parts of the vessel. Even though seals may seem like a small element in the system, their function is critical.

Customer-Centric Service

Halton’s requirements are strict for a reason: seals must meet stringent safety certifications, withstand explosive atmospheres, and comply with ISO standards. According to Kauto, V.A.V. Group delivers consistently on all fronts.

She highlights the personal service provided by V.A.V. Group’s sales manager, Mia Ahlgren: “Whenever I call, I get an answer—or a call back almost immediately. She understands that our customers in Asia, for example, cannot wait until the next day. Quick responses are essential.”

This responsiveness extends beyond communication. V.A.V. Group agreed to cut seals to precise measurements for different damper blades, a service that makes installation on Halton’s manufacturing floor faster and easier. Importantly, the same level of attention is given regardless of order size, whether Kauto orders two pieces or twenty thousand.

Quality, Price, and Reliability

For Halton, the decision to continue working with V.A.V. Group is clear. The “holy trinity” of quality, lead time, and price is consistently met. While seals are not the most expensive components in their products, their reliability is non-negotiable.

Kauto also notes the value of transparent communication. “Problems do and will happen– whether it’s availability issues or quality concerns. But V.A.V. Group always informs us in advance. That honesty makes it possible for us to prepare and for our own customers to prepare. It’s not easy to deliver difficult news, but it shows real partnership.”

Beyond Transactions: Building Trust

The relationship goes beyond email exchanges. Meetings at trade fairs and factory visits have built trust and opened doors for joint development discussions. According to Kauto, this personal connection makes it easier to ask questions and explore potential solutions together.

Halton also values the supplier’s commitment to sustainability and certifications. Documentation, audits, and continuous improvement efforts demonstrate that V.A.V. Group is aligned with the growing importance of environmental responsibility in the industry.

For Halton Marine, safety and reliability are the cornerstones of its products, and V.A.V. Group’s seals help ensure both. A decade of collaboration has proven the value of a partner who delivers quality, flexibility, and transparent service. As Kauto summarizes, the reason for loyalty is simple: “When quality, delivery time, and price are all in balance, there’s no reason to change suppliers.”

Artikkeli Customer Story: Halton julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Why Standards Matter in Sealing Solutions

In regulated industries, it is not enough for a seal to simply perform well in practice. Authorities, manufacturers, and operators require documented compliance with recognized standards. This ensures that the materials, design, and testing methods meet a common benchmark for quality and safety. For customers, working with a supplier that understands these requirements provides peace of mind and reduces risks during inspections, audits, and certifications.

Railway Applications and Relevant Standards

Railway environments subject seals to constant vibration, fluctuating temperatures, and exposure to cleaning chemicals. Profiles must maintain performance over long service lives while supporting passenger safety and comfort.

The most important framework is the EN 45545 series, which specifies fire safety requirements for railway applications. For sealing profiles, this means using materials with proven fire resistance and low smoke and toxicity in case of fire. Compliance with EN 45545 is mandatory for rail vehicles operating in the European Union.

In addition to fire safety, standards such as EN 61373 (shock and vibration testing) influence the design and testing of profiles. Seals must withstand mechanical stresses without losing elasticity or sealing capability. Noise and vibration reduction are also part of railway comfort requirements, so seals are often expected to contribute to a quieter and more stable travel environment.

Marine Applications and Relevant Standards

The marine industry presents its own set of challenges. Saltwater, UV exposure, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures accelerate material wear. Safety is also paramount, especially on passenger vessels or offshore platforms.

Standards such as the IMO Fire Test Procedures Code (FTP Code) define fire safety criteria for marine equipment. Sealing profiles used in doors, windows, and bulkheads must pass flame spread and smoke emission tests. Many ship classification societies, including DNV and Lloyd’s Register, require documented compliance before approving materials for use.

Environmental resistance is another key factor. Marine seals often need certification for resistance to ozone, UV light, and salt spray. By meeting these standards, profiles ensure long-term durability in one of the harshest operational environments.

ISO Standards for Materials and Testing

Alongside sector-specific requirements, a range of ISO standards guide material testing and performance evaluation. For example:

• ISO 37 covers the determination of tensile stress and strain in rubber materials, a key measure of elasticity.
  
• ISO 815 defines how to test compression set, which shows how well a seal retains its shape after being compressed.
  
• ISO 48 describes hardness testing, ensuring that materials meet design specifications.
  

These tests provide reliable data on how seals will perform under real-world conditions. When manufacturers follow ISO testing methods, customers can trust that the results are accurate and comparable across different suppliers.

The Role of Compliance in Design and Procurement

Compliance is not only about passing tests at the end of production. It starts with material selection, continues through extrusion design, and extends to the final installation in the field. By considering standards early in the design phase, companies can avoid costly redesigns and delays. For procurement teams, documented compliance simplifies supplier selection and reduces the risk of non-conformity in later inspections.

Conclusion: Standards as a Foundation for Reliability

In the railway and marine industries, sealing profiles must do more than simply provide a tight fit. They need to perform consistently under harsh conditions and prove compliance with strict EU and ISO standards. Fire safety, mechanical resistance, and environmental durability are all part of the requirements.

Choosing a sealing partner who understands and applies these standards ensures that every profile contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of the system. At V.A.V. Group, we help our customers navigate the complexity of compliance by providing seals that meet industry regulations without compromising on performance. If you need sealing solutions that combine reliability with proven certification, our team is ready to support your next project.

Artikkeli EU and ISO Standards for Sealing Profiles in Railway and Marine Applications julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.