A book published by Sitra and Technology Industries of Finland searches for the keys to success in the mechanical industry during difficult times

Major pressure for change is targeted at the subcontracting networks of mechanical and metal products industries in Finland. The main buyers are expanding across borders, and tightening competition requires an even more efficient supply chain. Koneteollisuuden menestys tarttuu verkostoihin (The Success of the Mechanical Industry Takes Hold Through Networks), publication jointly published by Sitra’s Growth Programme for the Mechanical Industry and Technology Industries of Finland, reviews the expectations that main buyers in these industries set for their suppliers and, on the other hand, how system and parts suppliers may best succeed in the future.

“We believe that such a book is in high demand right now. The book’s purpose is to present many concrete examples to shed light on how subcontractors in the mechanical and metal product industries may best grow. We wanted to find out what main buyers expect of suppliers, and what kind of opportunities they offer. The book presents subcontractor success stories that may inspire the operators in the field,” says Executive Director Mauri Heikintalo of Sitra.

All the subcontractor companies introduced have improved the customer’s product, streamlined the customer’s production process or lowered the customer’s costs. Strategies such as specialisation, globalisation with the help of networking, and utilisation of capital investment in company development offer many opportunities for the subcontracting sector. The book provides examples of all these.

The book also expresses the viewpoint of the main buyers: for example, they want system and parts suppliers to actively suggest possible ways of helping the buyer improve its products or lower its costs. Main buyers would be happy to build on innovation provided by the suppliers. In many cases, buyers want their suppliers to grow and expand internationally. Growth often requires expansion of the clientele.

According to the book, successful networks seem to combine three factors: world-class product and service competencies, responsibility for growing delivery packages and production competencies achieved through specialisation.

“It seems that even in difficult economic conditions, systems and parts suppliers of mechanical and metal product industries have many opportunities for growth. The companies should not shrink from developing their operations and turning their eyes to the international market in orderto ensure the success of the Finnish mechanical industry in the future,” says Harri Jokinen, Programme Manager for Technology Industries of Finland.

To order the publication, please contact Sitra at julkaisut@sitra.fi or
+358 9 618 991

A webcast of the book launch seminar is available in the Internet
Book launch seminar »

Also read ETLA Project Director Timo Nikinmaa’s column on the subject »

Further information

Markus Mäkelä, Sitra, tel. +358 50 520 7770,
firstname.lastname@sitra.fi

Harri Jokinen, Technology Industries of Finland,
tel. +358 50 563 5034, firstname.lastname@teknologiateollisuus.fi

Publication details

Koneteollisuuden menestys tarttuu verkostoihin
Hannu Hernesniemi ja Timo Nikinmaa (eds.)
Sitra´s publications 281
ISBN: 978-951-37-5572-0
ISSN: 0785-8388
Edita Prima Oy
Helsinki 2009