“Industry achievement of the year” recognition for technology company Epec - sustainable development electronics factory investment is a rare treat in Finland

A national award recognizing the importance and appreciation of the industry was awarded on October 2nd at the Alihankinta 2024 event in Tampere, Finland. The prize was won by Epec, a system supplier based in Seinäjoki, Finland.

The selection committee characterized the winner's electronics factory investment as a spearhead project.

"The new factory is a very significant investment in the field of Finnish electronics manufacturing. There aren't many electronics factories in Finland. In addition, it is important from the point of view of the entire Finnish industry that there is a capable player in Finland who can make hardware and software solutions for mobile machines, says the member of the selection board and Head of New Technologies at the Technology Industries of Finland, Erkki Ahola.

"Epec's new factory is a modern example of sustainable development. The products are competitive, and production volumes can be scaled - there is significant growth potential here," sums up Ahola.

Epec CEO Jyri Kylä-Kaila received the award from the previous year's winner, Sandvik's Jani Vilenius.

"A warm thank you for this great recognition. At Epec, we have done long-term work in the field of Finnish technological know-how. It’s important that this work is reflected in investments critical to our nation’s technology industry. Epec is a growth-driven company, and we believe that through collaboration, we can achieve excellent results in the international market. In Southern Ostrobothnia, we say, ‘we aim for the best, but deliver excellence,” Jyri Kylä-Kaila stated.

In addition to Epec, the finalists included Glaston, a glass processing technology company, and Avant Tecno, an industrial company manufacturing compact loaders. The jury saw great potential in the work of the finalists.

"The Autopilot system developed by Glaston automates the tempering of flat glass. This increase in automation of Glaston's products is significant and is the result of extensive work. It provides the keys to business development and expansion. The company demonstrates courage, says jury member and Head of the Industrial Team at Business Tampere, Heini Wallander.

According to the jury's assessment, Avanti's significant investment in electrification with, among other things, its own battery pack design and production can serve as an example for others. "The boldness to invest in the construction of electrification as a whole is a great and brave act that can also provide inspiration to others. We need companies that promote a culture of daring", continues Wallander.

The Industrial Achievement of the Year award was presented at the Alihankinta Fair for the fourth time this year. This year’s jury consisted of Erkki Ahola, Head of New Technologies at the Technology Industries of Finland, Harri Junttila, Editor-in-Chief of Tekniikka & Talous magazine, Sami Siurola, Project Manager at the Alihankinta Fair, and Heini Wallander, Head of the Industrial Team at Business Tampere.