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.

In Finland, Muovilami employs around 40 people and also has offices in Sweden and the UK. The share of exports is around 50-55%. In its operations, Muovilami values above all adherence to schedules, flexibility, and long-term partnerships. For these reasons, V.A.V. Group has been an important partner for almost 20 years.

The beginning of a long-lasting partnership

Muovilami’s partnership with V.A.V. Group started in late summer 2007, when our sales manager, Mia Ahlgren, walked through their door and introduced our business to the people at Muovilami. „Mia was very professional from the start, and clearly knew a lot about profiles,“ says Juha-Matti.

V.A.V. Group made a good impression as a flexible supplier, which was important for Muovilami’s customised products. Impressed by Mia’s know-how, Muovilami decided to switch from their previous supplier to V.A.V. Group. According to Juha-Matti, they have not regretted their choice.

Silicone seals as part of the door quality

V.A.V. Group supplies Muovilami with silicone-based door seals. The importance of these seals is considerable as they affect the functionality, cleanability, and hygiene of the doors, especially when the doors are installed in areas where hygiene requirements are high. The entire door must be easy to clean, which means that the seal must also be able to be wiped clean to prevent bacterial colonies from forming.

V.A.V. has also been involved in the development of new products, and our expertise has been particularly highlighted when tailor-made solutions are required.

A reliable partner for busy production

Muovilami’s products are made-to-order, so the security of supply is crucial. One factor that has made V.A.V. Group a reliable partner is delivery times. „They keep to their schedules,“ says Juha-Matti, „No delays, which is important to us because our production can be quite hectic.“ According to Muovilami, the cooperation with V.A.V. Group has been smooth and pleasant overall. Of course, in a business relationship as long as this one, there have been occasional challenges here or there, but all problems have been handled professionally, Juha-Matti says.

Mia Ahlgren, who is still Muovilami’s contact here at V.A.V. Group, gets a lot of praise for her approachability and knowledge from Juha-Matti, and she is just as happy with how the relationship between the businesses has grown: „Juha-Matti is consistent and fair, it has been a pleasure and an honour to see Muovilami’s growth and development.“ 

Future plans

When asked about the future of our cooperation, almost 20 years of cooperation speak for themselves, according to Juha-Matti: “It will continue, there is no reason to change”. The cooperation between Muovilami and the V.A.V. Group will continue on a solid basis. New door designs and customer needs are constantly emerging, and V.A.V.’s support in developing these solutions is always welcome at Muovilami.

Juha-Matti shared his thoughts on the long-standing partnership with V.A.V. Group — words that were warmly received here in Ii:

„We South Ostrobothnians are not the best at praising, but yes, V.A.V. Group has succeeded well in meeting our needs.“

Artikkeli Strong cooperation in the world of bespoke doors – Muovilami Oy and V.A.V. Group julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Similar manufacturing processes

Protecting the products

Being a lightweight material means aluminium is not extremely dense. Depending on the consistency of the profile, it can be somewhat prone to damage both in transport and storage. To make things easier for their own storing needs, Mäkelä Alu developed the AluBasket® solution, a weatherproof and environmentally friendly aluminium basket for transporting and storing long aluminium profiles. The stackable baskets can be safely used with a forklift without the fear of damaging the profiles.

“It was our internal logistics that started the design process. We needed something to efficiently store and move up to 3600 cages loaded with profiles in our storage, and at some point, we realized our customers could benefit from them, too”, Mika Korkea-aho describes. The aluminium cages are lined with V.A.V. Group’s TPE profiles to protect the more delicate aluminium from shaking around and getting scratched.

Nowadays, AluBasket® is more than a product; it is a service that V.A.V. Group also uses to store longer, stiffer profiles. “I guess we did a full circle by having V.A.V. Group provide us with the profiles for the AluBasket®, and we provide them with the service in return,” Korkea-aho laughs.

Incomparable recyclability

Aluminium is a superb material from the environmental perspective, being 100% recyclable. The need for virgin material is very low when aluminium products have been recycled accordingly. Mäkelä Alu is putting a lot of effort into recycling the materials, thus minimizing their carbon footprint. The same applies to the AluBasket®: “If a basket is damaged, we primarily repair it since we have the tools and ability to do so. But if it is broken beyond repair, we remove the plastic covers and TPE profiles and smelt the aluminium parts for reuse. Nothing goes to waste”, Mika Korkea-aho proudly states.

Recycling is not the only way of reducing their carbon footprint, though. Since 2005, Mäkelä Alu has consciously decreased their emissions and energy consumption. Their ambitious goal of reaching carbon neutrality from their door to customer’s door in 2025 was already achieved in early 2025. Mika Korkea-aho knows environmental aspects are also important to V.A.V. Group, so he sees a lot of good in the cooperation. “We started reducing our energy consumption rather early and got carried away with all the good we saw from it. We made huge investments to reduce it even further and set the goal of carbon neutrality by 2025. Over the years, we have minimized our environmental impact while maintaining the highest quality with our aluminium profiles.” Having a like-minded business partner makes things easier, according to Mr. Korkea-aho. If you are curious about the environmental values of V.A.V. Group, read this article next.

Cooperation as seamless as the products

Mäkelä Alu has been a satisfied customer of V.A.V. Group for over a decade. Mika Korkea-aho can’t see a reason why it would be otherwise: “Everything has been running smoothly, to be honest. I can’t recall any delivery issues or problems with the profiles, and I haven’t heard of any unsatisfied comments from V.A.V. Group’s end considering our AluBasket® service.”

It’s hard to disagree with him: When companies use each other’s products and services, it is only fair to say they are happy with each other’s performance. When asked about the future, Mika looks in the distance and says, “I could imagine our products are often linked together, having a solid aluminum profile with a soft TPE or silicone edge, cushion, or profile. At least we know where to direct someone when they need a high-quality profile to accompany our products!”

Artikkeli AAAS – Aluminium As A Service julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Finnish products behind global success

According to Sami Korhonen, CEO of Jet-Steel, the stainless steel products made in Kouvola can be found everywhere in the world thanks to their clients, operating overseas in several countries. The products range from ducts to heat recovery towers, and from huge tank containers to specialized vehicle parts. Nowadays their biggest customers operate in the paper and forest industry, while the construction industry is on the rise.

“We prefer Finnish steel, simply because we trust in it and know the high quality of it. We do our best to process the high-quality raw material into high-quality products, and according to our clients, we are achieving it nicely. With such products, every component must meet our high standards, including the seals and profiles”, Sami Korhonen explains.

Custom meets custom

The story of V.A.V. Group and Jet-Steel started over a decade ago, when Sami and his team were looking for a profile manufacturer who could deliver a custom profile that meets the highest standards. “We heard about V.A.V. Group from a customer, ordered the custom ring profile, and never looked back”, he sums it up. Nowadays, the product range is a lot bigger and the two companies work together seamlessly.

The profiles needed for Jet-Steel’s custom products mostly end up in heavy industry or chemical industry, which sets up strict requirements for the profiles. Custom made frames and rings can be extraordinarily broad, thick, and large – and often required to withstand extreme temperatures. These are not the one-size-fits-all kind of products, but very specific profiles with small tolerances.

Customer service is a big part

One of the reasons for such a great chemistry between the companies are shared values – both V.A.V. Group and Jet-Steel want to exceed the expectations of their customers either by unbeatable quality of the products, or by unbeatable quality of the service. “Ideally, we are working together with the customer already in the design phase. With our knowledge on the material, we can sometimes notice a design ‘flaw’ or just simplify something in the structure to make it more durable, easier to construct or cheaper to manufacture.”

Very often simple is better, and according to Sami, their customers are very grateful for Jet-Steel’s way of doing business. “I cannot recall a single case where the client specifically denied a simple version instead of a complex and more expensive one”, he laughs. He emphasizes the meaning of dialogue and customer service, which he also recognizes as a core strength of V.A.V. Group as well.

What Jet-Steel and V.A.V. Group also have in common is their role as a crucial subcontractor for bigger companies. There’s a lot on the line when it comes to delivering products or services to global operators, so the partnering businesses must trust in each other and their products. Of course, to err is human, but the professionalism comes from how you handle the unfortunate error. And, according to the Jet-Steel CEO Sami, that is the strong suit of smaller companies: “Over the course of more than ten years, I think there has been one frame in total that didn’t fit, and our contact person Mia Ahlgren at V.A.V. Group handled it really well. We got the corrected version quickly and were really satisfied with the service.”

Value proposition is seen in everyday work

During our discussion with Sami, it became clear that the two businesses share the same values, as stated above. V.A.V. Group’s value proposition consists of four key elements: Innovative, Fast, Flexible, Reliable. Even though Jet-Steel’s website does not list the same values, they rise up in our discussion one after another as a part of their philosophy. Being a relatively small enterprise in the industry, product quality, reliability, and customer service are key features in beating the competition.

When asked about how well V.A.V. Group meets their value proposition, Sami does not hesitate with his answer: “Oh 100%, there is nothing that would state otherwise. If there ever were a problem, I am sure it would be taken care of right away.”
Sami was also present at V.A.V. Group’s 20th anniversary factory tour and the festivities afterwards, and was delighted to meet people from the same industry, but also the staff of V.A.V. Group. The discussions went on until the late hours, so the event was successful according to Sami. Of course we had to ask him one last question: Would he recommend us to others?

“I already have, quite a few times”, he laughs. “If my colleagues ever need custom profiles, I know where to direct them”.

Artikkeli Stainless steel solutions anywhere in the world julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Proactive maintenance instead of hasty repairs

The base of our cooperation is proactive maintenance, which aims to reduce equipment downtime to a minimum. Data-driven maintenance plans can predict much of the usual wear and tear. They are slowly becoming the industry standard for successful businesses. Jenni Ryöti, sales and marketing manager of Teollisuuskopla, sums it up perfectly: “Putting down a fire is more expensive than preventing it from happening in the first place.”

Proactive maintenance is one of the main reasons for the cooperation between V.A.V. Group and Teollisuuskopla. Juho Onkalo is the CEO of Teollisuuskopla. He considers this approach their bread and butter: “Being proactive is more efficient both for us at maintenance and for the industrial customer. We don’t have to be on standby 24/7 in case something breaks. Instead, we inspect the machinery at the start of our common journey. Then we provide our customers with a maintenance plan for the future with data-driven software.” Customers are given a list of spare parts to keep in stock at specific times according to the plan and a schedule for maintenance. A simple solution to reduce downtime in production!

Transparency and dialogue

Being fast, flexible, reliable, and innovative is part of our nature, but our production depends on machinery. We allocate resources to other production lines during more extensive repairs or maintenance work to reach our ambitious two-week delivery schedule. Instead of hoping for the best, data-driven maintenance plans help us schedule our production. There will be significantly less downtime and unexpected hiccups in production. “Our Project Manager Hannu and Development Engineer Arttu can access the customer interface to see all upcoming tasks in real time. This kind of transparency is welcomed, and we have high expectations for the new system,” says Pasi Vilén, Managing Director of V.A.V. Group.

The system not only relies on the services of Teollisuuskopla but gives responsibility to the customer as well. “There are multiple minor tasks that need to be taken care of on a weekly or monthly basis. They can be merely adding lubrication to certain parts of the machines to keep them running smoothly. Sending our employees to do those little tasks is inefficient. In the long run, it easily builds up great costs to the customer. Therefore, the system alerts Hannu or Arttu to add a drop of oil occasionally,” Juho Onkalo explains. “At the beginning of each customer journey, we simply go through all the tasks and tick the boxes of what the customer’s employees can do themselves and what would be on our plate. The software we are using is streamlining the maintenance process significantly.”

Even better reliability and flexibility

According to Murphy’s law, what you need the most at the time is bound to break precisely at that point. Thanks to digitalisation, this may soon become a thing of the past. At least, Pasi Vilén believes it will: “Budget planning becomes a lot easier now that there is less guessing and more knowledge available. We can budget our maintenance but also acquire new machines right on time. If there are signs of early wear and shorter lifespan on some equipment, Teollisuuskopla and our experts Arttu and Hannu can easily calculate the best timeframe to replace old equipment.”

But how does this benefit our customers?

In the manufacturing industry, production volume fluctuates to some extent. By planning necessary downtime beforehand, we can schedule some maintenance tasks. This way, they will not interrupt our production at the worst possible time. This means that we can achieve even better reliability and flexibility in our production by better allocating our resources even in busy times.

In short, we put a lot of effort into delivering even better quality products faster to our clients so that they can reach new heights themselves. All thanks to modern technology and seamless cooperation!

What kind of equipment is Teollisuuskopla maintaining anyway?

Read more about our latest machinery and production line investments, like the new vertical and TPE lines, and what updates we are planning for our facilities next!

Read now!

Artikkeli Maintaining the equipment, maintaining a competitive edge julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

A smelly sample

Hannu recalls a case when a craft brewery contacted us a few years back, Pyynikin Brewing Company, that needed specific replacement gaskets for their brewing tanks. To be more specific, the manhole latch gasket for their bigger tanks that were so large someone could crawl inside them to wash them thoroughly. “As usual, we asked them if they could provide us with blueprints or a sample of the seal they needed. They sent us their old gasket and boy, that was a smelly one!”, Hannu laughs. Years of different hops, malts and yeasts had left their mark on the gasket that was already so worn out that the yeasty smell refused to wash away.

Having produced several applications from food-safe silicone, the choice of material was not a difficult task. The sample, although being smelly, made it easy for Hannu and Tuomas to make the custom tool for manufacturing the seals for brewing tanks. Since then, V.A.V. Group has delivered more brewing tank seals and gaskets on several occasions as Pyynikin Brewing Company has increased their production over the years. “I guess you could call us the craft beer experts at V.A.V. Group now”, Hannu adds with glint in his eye.

Speaking of smells, there is another sealing solution meant to protect a delicate process from the elements: composter seals. Composting has become rather popular in Finland, and most of Europe as well (we even have an official compost inspector) because it is a great way of disposing biodegradable waste and getting nutrients for growing plants and herbs in return. A good composter is solid, insulated, and has an airtight lid that allows the microorganisms to work in peace. As a result, hundreds and hundreds of composters on people’s yards have our seals that help them in being environmentally friendly and grow their own crops!

Silicone sleeves add protection

Not all our products are for sealing purposes. Being able to produce any custom shape from panels to tubes, the possibilities range from the tiniest nit-bit (but needed in massive quantities) to several metres long profiles. We are used to having seals protect us and our valuables from the elements, but sometimes it is even simpler than one could think.

A paint shop approached us some years ago, asking if we could produce a special silicone tube to protect the bolt threads when painting the bolt heads and other parts. Using masking tape is the first solution that comes to mind, but taping up bolt after bolt would take a lot of time, not to mention scraping it off from the threads afterwards. To be able to use the same tube for multiple bolt diameters, the solution was to make it in a specific shape: “We made this gingerbread-shaped tube that would fit the smaller bolts just like that, and thanks to its shape, could expand to fit over the larger bolts and screws just as easily”, Tuomas explains. Silicone was the optimal choice of material since paint doesn’t stick to it and can be wiped or easily chipped away if it dries. “The paint shop can just cut the tube to length and have a virtually endless stock of reusable thread protectors”, Tuomas continues.

In the world of agriculture

Our agricultural endeavours are not only limited to composters! Of course many of the machines, tanks and equipment may include our seals and profiles, but there is one special request from Finnlacto that both Hannu and Tuomas look back at with pleasure. “Feeding tubes for calves. We got to make milk feeding tubes for baby cows“, the two men say with a smile. As we know, baby bottle nozzles are made of silicone because it’s safe, hygienic and comfortable. Calves are not that different from human babies, and their needs are similar: a safe, comfortable and easy feeding tube ensures that the calf is willing to suckle milk from the feeding machine. “We are not cow experts, so we’re happy that Finnlacto provided us with enough information about the shapes and sizes, but also the strict material requirements. Food-grade silicone is required for livestock as well as humans, so we followed the instructions carefully. Technically, the same silicone mix is used in hospital environments, so it is indeed very safe for livestock and humans alike”, Tuomas explains.

Producing tubing of the most versatile shapes is nothing extraordinary for V.A.V. Group, even though it is rarely requested as such. “If a client is used to ordering replacement seals and profiles of highly hygienic and safe materials for medical use, for example, they may not realise they could order special tubing from us as well. We could easily produce dual tubing for milking robots as well, now that we are talking about agricultural needs”, Tuomas continues.

Sometimes it is all fun and games

We previously wrote an article about assembly and connections, where Sari Silvennoinen talked about a gaming solution that required a very specific damper system. The gaming solution was a mat with several pressure plates acting like keyboard buttons when the user stepped on them. The pressure plates needed a damper system that allowed the “keys” below the plates to be pressed easily, would let the plate move in all directions, but still keep it in place and prevent it from slipping out of the frame. “The challenge was that the profile had to be equally flexible in every direction but still act as a damper. We came up with this accordion-type profile that is both flexible and supportive, and because of the shape, it was rather tricky to join into a rectangular profile. But we did it, and it worked well!” Sari Silvennoinen recalls.

Hannu and Tuomas both remember the curious case and agree that it was an interesting task that involved some prototyping with different hardnesses.

But sometimes the prototypes never become a mass product, and that is part of the industry, the two men admit. “There are times when a customer orders a prototype to test their application, but after receiving the samples we may never hear from them again. Of course our sales team contacts them after some time, but the most common reply is that they had to go back to the drawing board because their original idea didn’t function as planned. Nevertheless, we store the custom tools made for the prototype in case the test version does go into production after all”, Hannu and Tuomas explain.

Making prototypes for new products or applications is something that comes up on a regular basis, and it’s always an interesting journey. “The customers understand that making a prototype is costly compared to mass production, because we have to 3D print the custom tool, mix the materials and run the production for a small sample, so obviously producing 10 metres of a custom profile takes as much time and effort as producing 1000 metres of the same profile”, Tuomas enlightens. “But if the prototype works as planned and we can continue with the original design, the costs are significantly lower in the mass production phase”, he continues. His advice is to contact the V.A.V. Group sales team and carefully plan all the details before proceeding with the prototype. “With our experience, we can give some valuable insight that may save the customer a lot of money in the long run.”

Innovative people find new use for leftovers

Working with seals and profiles makes you notice your surroundings in a different way. Anywhere you look, there are seals and profiles – visible or hidden inside a casing. “Oh you wouldn’t believe where you can find our profiles!” Hannu exclaims. Driving lights for cars, damper seals for air conditioners, industrial vacuum cleaner nozzles – just to name a few. In fact, even our trusty steed, the 3D printer used for printing every single custom tool, has its recoater blade replaced regularly with our own product. “We have delivered the same recoater blades to a few universities using similar 3D printers, and they say they’re even better than the original”, Tuomas laughs.

At the end of our discussion, Tuomas and Hannu tell about a coworker – let him or her be unnamed – who used leftover profiles to seal their garage door with a sturdier profile. “They were happy that the garage door is now better insulated and that the leftover pieces didn’t go to waste, but admitted they had to use a lot of elbow grease to fit the sturdier profile into the door profile slots”, the two giggle while looking at each other, knowing very well which coworker they’re talking about.

If you have any questions about whether we could find a solution for your specific needs, or happen to need some assistance with prototyping, do not hesitate to contact us!

Read our other customer cases!

Making sure the ship sets sail on time

Anyone who has ever been a part of a construction project knows how crucial it is to finish every stage on time to maintain the set schedule.

Hellbergs Dörrar – Doors for generations

Hellbergs Dörrar is a Swedish steel door manufacturer that specializes in fire protection, soundproofing, and other high-security doors

Support and Quality Profiles for Honkarakenne

Honkarakenne has years of experience in crafting beautiful, high-quality log houses, and they are a pioneer in healthy and ecological living.

Artikkeli From craft breweries to calf feeders – Our more curious customer cases julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Doors for Generations

Hellbergs Dörrar is a Swedish steel door manufacturer that specialises in fire protection, soundproofing, and other high-security doors.

Since the early 1950s, spanning over 70 years of dedicated service, Hellbergs Dörrar has evolved into a prominent leader in delivering security solutions throughout Sweden.

But what makes this company from the small town of Mellerud in western Sweden so well-known, and how is V.A.V. Group related to Hellbergs Dörrar?

Hellbergs Dörrar is a part of its parent company Hellbergs Door Company AB, with three other subsidiaries related to safety and security solutions. In 1950, Kurt Hellberg began manufacturing heavy duty safety doors for the Swedish market in the post-war era in Gothenburg. The growing market and superior products helped Hellbergs build a lucrative business in  rural yet charming Mellerud.

Nowadays, family-owned Hellbergs Dörrar is one of the key manufacturers of rated steel doors in Sweden, employing over 70 people in Mellerud.

Seals: Vital Components in Fireproofing Systems

Back in 2019, Sebastian Hellberg, the owner of Hellbergs Dörrar was working on a project within the shipbuilding industry when he discovered V.A.V. Group, and our flagship product, Fire X. This led to further discussions with V.A.V. Group’s Mia Ahlgren, who delivered a sample order to Hellbergs Dörrar for thorough tests and research. Fire X profiles proved to be of high quality and exceeded the standards, which was the first step on a common journey.

“The previous profiles used in our safety doors could not meet the requirements of the renewed fire certificates, therefore a new type of fireproof profile was needed”

“Fire X is a fireproof seal that is easy to use and of great quality. That is why it has become the standard profile material for all our doors, even the ones that don’t have a fire rating.”

Alvin Johansson, the purchasing manager of Hellbergs Dörrar, explains. 

The vast selection of Hellbergs steel doors,access doors, as well as door frames and thresholds, requires different sealing solutions of variable shapes, sizes and thicknesses. Since the Fire X silicone is a great material to work with, so far all requisites have been met and V.A.V. Group is now a household name at Hellbergs.

Making fireproof doors foolproof

Hellbergs Dörrar manufactures classic style steel doors as well as painted and /or laminated doors that have an aesthetically pleasing decorative layer for industrial, infrastructural, and housing purposes. Fireproofing is an essential part of housing safety, especially in large housing units in cities. In addition to constructing rated doors, careful attention to aesthetics and usability is paramount. These factors, alongside their diverse range of security ratings, are consistently taken into account at the Swedish steel door company.

“We have three variations of Fire X profiles that we use for our doors. Depending on the rating of the door we use them in different combinations. The purpose of the profiles could be fire, smoke and/or soundproofing. In short, we take all kinds of safety aspects into consideration with our products”, he continues.

Apart from showcasing a laminated surface that could easily fool anyone into believing that the sturdy steel door is actually a wooden door, Hellbergs Dörrar have a variety of additional features that turn a door into a highly functional element of everyday life. Some of the rated features are visible, but just like the fire and soundproof profiles, others are hidden.

“Most people wouldn’t realise what kind of features their front door has until its features got tested, for example during an attempted break-in or a fire. For the sake of our customers, we hope they never have to experience such a scenario. However, in an unfortunate situation where this might occur we have complete trust in our products”, Johansson states.

Forging a better future

Upon analyzing both Hellbergs and V.A.V. Group, it becomes evident that they share comparable core principles. Both companies prioritize high quality in their products, reliable delivery, and exceptional customer service, albeit articulated with slightly varying terminology on their respective platforms. Their fundamental objectives align closely, underscoring a shared commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

„We align closely on core values and share a unified mindset aimed at delivering products and services of high quality to our customers. This enables great communication, especially with Mia, who has a service focused mindset along with speaking fluent swedish, we’re very grateful for that.“

Cathleen Nyman, marketing coordinator of Hellbergs Dörrar explains.

Environmental considerations hold significant importance within the Swedish family business as well. 

“Our production aims to minimize our environmental impact. We pay great attention to material selection and recycle the byproducts with care.We also consider our environmental values when selecting subvendors and V.A.V. Group is a company we can relate to for that matter”, Nyman adds.

Achieving top quality products that both companies are known for, communication is key.

“We have never had difficulties understanding each other, moreso we’ve made minor improvements to make our production more efficient. Mia is a true expert in her field and helps us with product development. Often V.A.V group adjusts their products to suit our needs which is something we greatly appreciate.”, Alvin Johansson says. 

When we ask about the “minor improvements”, he gives an example:

“Well, because we aim to reduce waste to the max, we noticed that the bottom rounds of the coiled Fire X profile were a bit compressed, which made them tricky to install and thus the last few meters of the profile didn’t quite meet our standards. It’s not a big problem per se, but I still told Mia about it. She understood and came up with a solution together with her team in Ii.”

At the end of our interview with Cathleen and Alvin, we asked them to summarize the cooperation with V.A.V. Group. Without hesitation, Alvin says: “If you are looking for a contractor who is flexible and able to produce detailed custom products, we will happily recommend V.A.V. Group.”

For those unfamiliar with the family-owned business located in Mellerud, Sweden, take a moment to explore their website: https://www.hellbergs.se/sv

More information about Fire X

Fire X Certifications

V.A.V. Group’s self-extinguishing Fire X silicone has passed the most demanding railway transportation safety tests and is now classified as HL3 level profiles according to the EN 45545-2:2020 standard.

Learn more

What is Fire X?

Fire X silicone is self-extinguishing and designed to slow down the spread of fire in extreme conditions. Its combustion gases are non-toxic, and it is operable at temperatures under +270 °C.

Learn more

Artikkeli Custom Fire X Profiles for Hellbergs Dörrar julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Icon of the Seas – the largest cruise ship in the world

Icon of the Seas is the Royal Caribbean Icon fleet’s lead ship, consisting of three cruise ships. This vessel has made the headlines over and over again. It is the most ambitious maritime project in the world with a stunning tonnage of 250 800 GT and a capacity of over 5600 passengers. Such a massive construction project is not something any shipyard could handle. Meyer Turku is renowned for its cutting-edge shipbuilding know-how and capability.

Icon of the Seas has an eco-friendly LNG drive system. The cruise ship is a prime example of modern shipbuilding technology. It features the largest waterpark at sea, seven pools, several restaurants for casual or fine dining, over 2800 passenger cabins, and a wide range of onboard entertainment. It started its voyage to its home harbour in Florida in late 2023.

Fast delivery is the key to success

Even though the whole construction process is planned to perfection, there will always be changes to plans or schedules. Kim Mickelsson, purchaser at Meyer Turku, discovered that sometimes you need to act fast to reach the desired goals.

Mr. Mickelsson is responsible for purchasing turnkey solutions for large projects such as the Icon of the Seas. In short, this means sub-vendors provide entire cabins, engines, balconies, or swimming pools. They are then assembled on-site on the vessel. The sub-vendor is responsible for purchasing all the components required for the end product. The total supply chain is long before the cruise ship is ready for the oceans. ”It would be quite impractical for us to purchase every nut, bolt, and silicon profile for a vessel almost as big as a small town, so the whole supply chain is more like a network of sub-vendors.

The schedules can be tight, and sometimes parts or components must be delivered hastily”, Mickelsson explains. ”In this case, we needed more fireproof profiles to progress to the next construction phase. We figured that having them delivered first from the manufacturer to the sub-vendor and then to us would take longer than just ordering them straight from the manufacturer. This is not the usual case, but we thought it would be the best alternative. Our sub-vendor told us they had ordered the custom profiles from V.A.V. Group and helped us contact them directly. I remembered meeting Mia Ahlgren a few months earlier, so I decided to call her.”

Time to stand behind our value proposition

Meanwhile, sales manager Mia was in a client meeting at V.A.V. Group when her phone started ringing. After the long session, she noticed a few missed calls from the same number. ”Somebody clearly wanted to reach me, so I tried calling them back, but the person on the other end was also busy when I called them. In the end, I sent them a message that they can call me back even after office hours because we were calling each other back and forth”, she laughs. Eventually, Kim reached Mia and explained the situation.

Our value proposition – Innovative, Fast, Flexible, Reliable – is the foundation of our operation. Meyer Turku’s case was not particularly challenging to V.A.V. Group’s professionals, but it did require some rapid movements at our production facility. ”Since we had already produced the custom Fire X profile, we had the right tool and recipe at hand, so all we needed to do was produce the required amount and deliver it straight to the client instead of the sub-vendor as fast as possible”, says Mia Ahlgren.

Flexibility is our advantage

From Mia’s point of view, Meyer Turku’s case was relatively easy, although the production line and delivery at V.A.V. Group had to move swiftly to fill out the order right on time. Kim, on the other hand, is positively surprised at how fast we could deliver flawless profiles on-site. ”I am thankful to all our sub-vendors for being able to maintain schedules and help us finish this magnificent project, but especially to V.A.V. Group and Mia, who deserves eleven points out of ten for truly listening to our needs, understanding the pressure of our deadlines, and delivering the correct profiles in requested quantity faster than expected”, Mickelsson praises. ”Directly contacting the component manufacturers is uncommon, but this experience was remarkable. I am happy we decided to try this approach with the manufacturer, so in the future, we can resort to it if needed.”

Both Kim and Mia are happy with their network of sub-vendors, cooperators and business partners. Everyone worked together like a well-oiled machine. Due to the complexity of the supply chain of a multitude of contractors, there is little room for delays at any point in such a massive project. Thanks to open communication and active cooperation, the Icon of the Seas will set sail according to plan.

What does the future hold?

The Icon of the Seas is the first cruise ship of the Icon fleet by Royal Caribbean. Icon 2 is already under construction at Meyer Turku, and Icon 3 is planned to sail in summer 2026. Along with other large shipbuilding projects at Meyer Turku, the fleet of the three largest cruise ships in the world positively impacts employment at Meyer, its sub-vendors, and the Finnish GDP in general.

The cooperation between Meyer Turku and V.A.V. Group will continue, though primarily via sub-vendors. ”It is more convenient to have V.A.V. Group providing our sub-vendors with their fireproof Fire X profiles, but now we know we can contact them directly if we need profiles delivered straight to our shipyard”, Kim Mickelsson states. Since only a handful of profile manufacturers can provide fireproof profiles with such certifications in Europe, V.A.V. Group is establishing a stable foothold in the maritime industry. ”We have received the highest HL3 hazard level in railway safety tests, and the maritime industry has similar requirements. We will keep pursuing the highest safety standards in the transport industry in the future as well”, Mia Ahlgren adds confidently.

Artikkeli Making sure the ship sets sail on time julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.

Jukka Valtonen, purchasing manager, and Juha-Matti Hanhikoski, vice president at Honkarakenne both agree that they were the first in log construction to use automatically installed profiles. “No one else in the log business was using this kind of profile, for several years it was a competitive factor for us,” Hanhikoski notes. The seals used between logs are the same form and material as those used in windows and doors, except slightly tailored for the specific purpose of Honkarakenne.

Tailor-made tools for the best results

At the time, Honkarakenne had several, mainly Finnish operators to choose from. After facing some challenges regarding product development with their first contractor they chose to work with V.A.V. Group. One of the key factors for choosing us at V.A.V. Group was the support and help we were able to offer in product development and profile installation. We already had experience in automatic profile installation and supplied machine-installed seals for other, similar needs. The cost of supply was also a factor, but not the first thing in their minds, according to Hanhikoski: “Some other supplier could have been cheaper, but the service and support we get from V.A.V. Group has proved worth it.”

During production development we worked together with Honkarakenne on a daily basis, helping and working out issues that came with the out-of-the-box prototype machine that secures the profile to the logs. Together we fine-tuned the machine until it was right for the job. We offered support in equipment acquisition and helped in figuring out the best profile and material for Honkarakenne.

Consistent support, quality, and supply

When it comes to acquisitions, Honkarakenne looks for long-lasting partners, once that offer support when it’s needed. Our supply for them has expanded to include profiles for zero-corners, where the logs don’t protrude outside of the frame. These profiles are also tailor-made. All profiles and their quality is crucial to Honkarakenne, as they need to function consistently in the log for the full lifecycle of the building.

“As long as the basics, like service reliability, quality and costs are in order, our interests will remain the same,” says Valtonen about the future with us. It is important for us at V.A.V. Group to offer the same consistent service, support, and supply, whether we’ve worked together for 10 years, or are just getting started.

Artikkeli Support and Quality Profiles for Honkarakenne julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran V.A.V. Group.