Mechanical engineering industry

The Finnish mechanical engineering industry is facing great challenges. Structural changes in the industry have been commonplace for a long time. These changes, however, are being accelerated by the financial crisis and waning exports. It cannot be assumed that it will be business as usual after the recession ends.

Finland's mechanical engineering industry still holds all the building blocks of success, if the opportunities created by the changes are grasped with little delay. There is good growth and profitability on the horizon of the international market. The EU home market and the new industry being created by our Russian neighbours are examples of opportunities within our reach. Operators within the mechanical engineering industry should consider export and internationalisation as a natural part of the business, equal to other components such as actual manufacturing operations.

Specialisation, increased production and better quality are prerequisites for continued and improved profitability and growth. Product development and design will be more important than ever.

Sitra helps give momentum to sustainable change

Sitra has been involved in the acceleration of change and success in Finnish companies. Sitra's Growth Programme for the Mechanical Engineering Industry is aimed at helping machine manufacturing and metal processing companies change from domestic workshops into international operators with top expertise. Internationalisation requires, above all, a new attitude, good business skills and products of the best quality.

• Sitra develops the business operations of Mesera-yhtiöt, Meteco and FH Group as an active owner.
• Together with 35 small and medium-sized businesses, we have explored the opportunities offered by the German, Russian, Chinese, Swedish, Polish and Brazilian markets. Market reports on these are available in the content stream on this page.
• We have also participated in the discussion of future trends in the industry through the publications Koneteollisuuden menestys tarttuu verkostoihin (The Success of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Takes Hold Through Networks), Teollinen Suomi (Industrial Finland) and Ratkaisujen Suomi (A Finland of Solutions). The idea driving these books is that industry will continue to be an important source of well-being in Finland. But, industrial operators as well as everyday work must keep changing with the times.