The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mauri Pekkarinen opened Epec’s new production line in Seinäjoki
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 Epec’s new production line opened with a ceremony on 22nd May 2006. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mauri Pekkarinen cut the ribbon and started the machines, marking the opening of the new production line. ”In the previouse place I had to prepare and then eat the product. Hopefully in this case I dont have to eat anything”, Minister Pekkarinen said. The new production line produces Epec’s control system modular units.
Epec produces control systems specially for mobile machines in industries such as forestry and mining; particularly for heavy machinery. The market is pulling well, and the new line meets the continually growing customer needs and volume. Modern technology by Siemens, Sincotron, and Scanfil multiply the production speed and ensure flexible production performance for years to come. The new technology also ensures that high quality is fulfilled. ”This is the most modern line in Finland, also on an international level”, states Sincotron’s Executive Vice President, Jani Laatikainen.
Our customers’ machines are working in the -40 degree celcius climate of Siberia, and also in South America’s planted forests of +40 degree celcius humidity and heat. This means that the technical standard is high. High quality and technology will remain highly regarded in the future and we are ready to continue further investments, says Epec’s Chairman of the Board, Arto Tiitinen.
Epec is the region’s flagship company and a success in its own sector, stated Minister Pekkarinen. At the opening, he spoke especially about Finnish labour and skill: ”Our head start of expert knowledge is decreasing all the time: Competing countries have similar, even more competetive pricing. It is important to ensure that there is adequate skills and level of thechnology, as well as a contributing environment”. The Minister also encouraged further cooperation between education, industry, and business: ”The means for gaining new information in Finalnd must be developed; networking within the region and globally between different organisations brings success”.
Throughout Epec’s history, starting from 1978, the company has strongly believed in its own skills; especially overall Finnish know-how. The degree of domestic origin of Epec’s products has always been high. This continued when Epec joined the Ponsse Group 1,5 years ago: Belief in their own skills, Finnish know-how, and commitment to customer needs have guided Epec and it’s parent company Ponsse from the very beginning.
A general direction in the electronics industry is to transfer production to a country with a cheaper labour force.” As of the year 2000, electronics production machine’s sales in Finland have been directed outwards”, tells Jani Laatikainen. According to Epec’s Managing Director, Jouni Matikainen, Epec differs from the electronics industry’s general direction for the following three reasons: Volume benefits of large production quantities are not offered because Epec’s products are used in mobile machines working in demanding conditions, which differs from consumer electronics; we are producing millions of pieces every year. Also, the work proportion of the manufacturing costs of products will not reach a level of significant advantage by moving production to a country with a cheaper labour force. Furthermore, the close cooperation, especially between production and product development is seen as very important, therefore it is worthwile to keep them in the same physical place. This is how we achieve cost efficiency.
”Most importantly, this whole investment allows Epec to improve their ability to serve customers and produce quality, high-tech products that are long-lasting in very demanding conditions. This is how we can help our customers succeed”, says Managing Director Matikainen, ending his speech. |
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