TT Gaskets Invests €3M in Fully Automated Laser Cutting Line

March 13, 2025

TT Gaskets is making a significant leap forward in manufacturing efficiency and automation with a €3 million investment in a fully automated laser cutting line. This investment includes the option for an additional €2M in the coming years to further enhance automation and expand production capabilities. The transformation is not just about upgrading machinery, it’s about pioneering a new era of automation that enhances efficiency, precision, and sustainability.

This strategic move enhances our long-term partnerships with TRUMPF, TruTekniikka, and STOPA, leveraging their cutting-edge technologies to transform our production capabilities.

Beyond a Single Machine – A Fully Automated Laser Cutting Line

This investment extends far beyond acquiring the TruLaser 5030 Fiber L76. It includes:

Automated warehousing (Stopa system) for seamless material storage and handling
Automated sheet loading and part unloading to maximize efficiency
Advanced sorting technology that reduces manual work and ensures consistent quality
A new software solution that optimizes production planning, traceability, and workflow

Driving Industry Leadership Through Innovation

“We are fully committed to international growth and reaching new heights while ensuring we remain the greenest choice in the market,” says Aleksi Arpiainen, CEO of TT Gaskets. “I’d like to extend a big thank you to our talented and devoted machine, software, and automation partners, whose collaboration is powering the development of our smart factory. Together, we can reach new heights, learning from one another.”

TT Gaskets’ investment in automation is more than just an upgrade, it’s a strategic move to redefine industry standards. By integrating advanced automation and smart technology, the company is strengthening its position as an innovation leader.

“This investment is a key step in our strategy to lead the industry through innovation and efficiency,” adds Petri Lehtinen, Business Director at TT Gaskets. “By integrating cutting-edge automation, we are positioning TT Gaskets for continued growth and delivering even greater value to our customers.”

Through this transformation, TT Gaskets is not only enhancing production capabilities but also ensuring long-term competitiveness in the global market. The fully automated laser cutting line represents a commitment to pushing the boundaries of efficiency, precision, and customer excellence.

Preparations Underway – Fully Operational by August 2025

The construction work has already started at our facility, and we’re moving forward with the plans to ensure a smooth implementation.
Once the TruLaser 5030 Fiber L76 is operational in August 2025, it will transform our laser-cutting department. Its fully automated features, including direct material handling from the integrated warehouse, will reduce manual intervention and significantly improve production flow. Additionally, modernized equipment will reduce the risk of unplanned maintenance, ensuring reliable and consistent production. Our team has planned a step-by-step transition, including:

Upgrading ventilation, electrical infrastructure, and lighting
List item Installing a new pump line to support advanced operations
Setting up a temporary warehouse to ensure uninterrupted production

A Commitment to Innovation & Sustainability

By reducing manual intervention, improving efficiency, and minimizing waste, TT Gaskets is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and customer excellence.
This major investment is made possible through our long-standing partnerships with Trumpf, TruTekniikka, and Stopa, whose expertise and technology are crucial in bringing this transformation to life.

The TruLaser 5030 Fiber L76 is a key component of our comprehensive investment program, designed to renew and modernize our laser cutting department. This advanced system, featuring an integrated automatic warehouse solution, will significantly enhance our operational efficiency, capacity, and sustainability efforts.
“With this investment, we’re not just upgrading machinery, we’re improving how we serve our customers,” said Teemu Sillanpää, Purchasing and Sourcing Manager. “This partnership with the skilled teams at Trumpf and TruTekniikka enables us to push boundaries in efficiency, quality, and sustainability,” Sillanpää added.

Delivering Superior Value to Customers

“This investment is a game-changer,” adds Teemu Piipponen, Production Manager. “Many companies have advanced machines, but a fully automated system like ours is truly unique. We are shaping the future of laser cutting technology.” Once fully operational in August 2025, this next-generation laser cutting line will provide faster turnaround times, higher-quality cuts, and enhanced reliability, reinforcing TT Gaskets’ commitment to customer excellence. “This cutting-edge technology represents our commitment to our customers. It’s about meeting their needs with better quality, faster delivery, and reliable service,” Piipponen added.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

By August 2025, this cutting-edge system will be fully operational, reinforcing TT Gaskets’ commitment to delivering faster production times, unmatched precision, and increased reliability. Stay tuned for updates as we reshape the future of laser cutting at TT Gaskets!

Image Source: TRUMPF


TT Gaskets CEO Aleksi Arpiainen Participates in Launch of Tampere Region’s Economic Strategy for 2026–2030

February 28, 2025

Tampere, FinlandTT Gaskets is pleased to support the Tampere region’s newly unveiled economic strategy for 2026–2030, titled Uuden edellä (Ahead of the New). This strategy outlines a bold vision for the region’s future, focusing on Ambitious Renewal and Smart Growth. Aleksi Arpiainen, CEO of TT Gaskets, had the honor of joining the launch event as a panelist, representing the region’s industry and SME companies.

Photo: Petri Kangas / Business Tampere

The launch event took place on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Tampere’s Torni Hotel, bringing together over 150 industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The event opened with remarks from Harri Ojala, Managing Director of Business Tampere, who shared key insights into the strategy’s objectives and the collaborative efforts behind its development.

During the panel discussion, Arpiainen emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration, innovation, and securing new financing opportunities to drive sustainable growth in the region.

The vision for 2030 – Boldly Renewing, Smartly Growing – is an exciting one. It aligns perfectly with our approach at TT Gaskets, where we constantly push for innovation while staying committed to sustainability and smart business practices,” said Arpiainen. “For companies like ours, this strategy presents a clear path forward, encouraging cooperation across industries and enabling larger investments in the region.”

Photo: Petri Kangas / Business Tampere

The new strategy focuses on strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing international expertise, and increasing the Tampere region’s visibility and attractiveness. Arpiainen highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship education and the need to equip individuals at all levels with the skills to create new ventures and drive new product development.

The strategy also identifies key growth clusters, such as defense and green transition-related solutions. As a company committed to sustainable manufacturing, TT Gaskets is eager to contribute to these high-potential areas and play a role in shaping the region’s economic future.

Photo: Petri Kangas / Business Tampere

“Sales and entrepreneurship education are vital to sparking new ideas and making them a reality. We must find ways to support these efforts, not only by fostering innovation but also by ensuring that good ideas are backed by solid financing and resources,Arpiainen added.

The Tampere region’s economic strategy sets the stage for continued success, supporting businesses of all sizes and fostering new collaborations to drive growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Discover more about the Tampere region’s 2026–2030 economic strategy here


TT Gaskets CEO Aleksi and Chairman of the Board Matti Honored as Tampere Chamber of Commerce’s Business Persons of the Year 2024

January 27, 2025

TT Gaskets CEO Aleksi and Chairman of the Board Matti Honored as Tampere Chamber of Commerce’s Business Persons of the Year 2024

TT Gaskets is proud to announce that on Friday, January 19, 2025, at the Tampere Chamber of Commerce Annual Chairman’s Gala Night, our CEO, Aleksi Arpiainen, and his father, Matti Arpiainen, were recognized as the Business Persons of the Year 2024.

This prestigious honor underscores the core values that drive TT Gaskets. Strong leadership, rooted in collaboration, growth, and innovation, has always been at the heart of our journey. Our commitment to continuous development reflects a shared mission to push boundaries and achieve meaningful progress. Equally important is our dedication to community impact, as we strive to deliver solutions that contribute to the success of businesses in Pirkanmaa, Finland, and beyond.

The recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire TT Gaskets team. Every achievement, from innovations in gasket technology to providing trusted solutions to our customers, reflects the collective effort, creativity, and passion of our organization.

“Our success has always been built on teamwork and a shared drive to excel,” says Aleksi Arpiainen. “This award belongs to everyone at TT Gaskets who has contributed to making our vision a reality. It motivates us to continue strengthening our leadership and our contributions to both the local and global business ecosystems.”

We also extend our congratulations to Minister Arto Satonen and the long-serving committee members of the Tampere Chamber of Commerce, who were honored for their outstanding contributions.

Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the Tampere Chamber of Commerce for its vital role in fostering collaboration between businesses, policymakers, and institutions. Together, we are building a resilient and prosperous future for the Pirkanmaa region and beyond.

Thank you for supporting us as we continue this exciting journey!

Photograph by Opa Latvala.
Pictured from left to right: Jani Vilpponen (new Chairman), Aleksi Arpiainen, Matti Arpiainen, and Antti Eskelinen (Managing Director of Tampere Chamber of Commerce and Industry) on stage at the Tampere Chamber of Commerce Annual Chairman’s Gala Night on Friday, January 19, 2025, where Aleksi and Matti were honored as the Business Persons of the Year 2024.


“We are more than a gasket supplier – we are your strategic partner”

August 8, 2024

David Lindgren

David Lindgren works as a Key Account Manager for TT Gaskets. He’s located in Munich, taking care of German speaking customers in Europe. The gasket market in Europe is extremely competitive, but David knows why TT Gaskets is a brilliant option for the clients.

David’s previous work experience consists of various purchasing roles in different global organizations. He’s career in automotive and heavy-duty industry, as well as oil and gas industry, led him to TT Gaskets. Strong understanding of customer needs and strategies on a global scale help him in his daily work.

“My job is to help our clients and potential clients. I take care of their needs from the very first phone call through daily business operations, expanding that business, and building strategic partnerships. At the moment I’m a “one-man-show” in Central Europe, but I have the full support of TT Gasket’s sales, management and production teams in Finland”, says David Lindgren.

Why to source gaskets from Finland?

When a customer needs gaskets in Germany, Austria or Switzerland, the help is near. David counts that there are at least a handful of potential suppliers within a 50-kilometer range of any production line. How can TT Gaskets compete with that?

“We are more than your supplier. We’re a partner. There are a lot of suppliers in Europe but not that many strategic partners. We are there for the client the complete lifetime of the gasket, from engineering, prototyping, zero-production to production and spare parts”, promises David.

After less than two years of working for TT Gaskets, David already has numerous success stories in selling gaskets. Business in German speaking Europe is growing, a lot of projects are in progress, and new ones in the horizon. He’s learning the market and working closely with the team in Finland.

“I couldn’t do anything without the team in Tampere. They support my role and understand what customers require and what they want from the partnership. But expanding business in German speaking Europe also teaches new insights to the team in Finland. Whether it’s co-engineering or co-designing or help with their applications need, TT Gaskets can help. We know the gaskets.”

Sustainable future is built now

Just like in Finland, Germany is big on green values, circular economy and sustainability. David sees sustainability as a unique selling proposition for TT Gaskets as a supplier.

“Sustainability will only grow in the future. At some point, clients won’t source from suppliers that aren’t sustainable. TT Gaskets is one step ahead. We’ll be CO2 neutral in 2024, which is a huge advantage and an additional benefit to our clients and their purchasing organizations. It’s great to work for a company, that constantly invests in the future.”

David thinks that TT Gaskets is a great as an employer too. According to him, TT Gaskets is like big family where the owners take care of everybody. He’s job takes him on the road to see clients and of course visiting the headquarters in Finland.

“It’s our team, the flexibility and freedom in the job that I enjoy. We have an opportunity to innovate something great together. I’m excited to be a part of building the future for TT Gaskets in German speaking Europe. Of course there are challenges, but that’s what we do, manage and overcome challenges, David says.”

How to improve work-life balance

David’s job is never done. There’s always something left in the evening for the next morning. To balance it all out, he enjoys nature, skiing, hiking, and cycling among other things. When he’s staying at a hotel, he always takes he’s sport equipment with him.

“I’m here to support every aspect of the relationship between TT Gaskets and our clients. To keep my work-life in balance, I take the time for my hobbies. I can go to the gym at a hotel or go for a run. If you do sports, you need recover time. The same goes for work. I believe if you only concentrate on work 24/7, you won’t be successful. It’s about keeping your balance.”


Milestones from 2023 provide a platform for future growth – Our focus is on exports and sustainability

March 5, 2024

TT Gaskets’ recent development work and new ventures gained recognition and provided insight into the international demand for our products and services.

Golden Gavel competition highlighted TT Gaskets’ great board work

Independent board members are vital in developing a family business. Participating in the Finnish Golden Gavel competition gave us a chance to reflect on our learnings from recent years and compare our board status with the top boards of today’s SME companies.

TT Gaskets’ executive team members have a pronounced focus within our board work.  Executives participate in every meeting, providing insight into our future through the lens of their own position.

– Our board and executive team function as sparring partners for each other. Our goals regarding board work are to continue to enable advisor roles for board members. We’ll also be increasing board work diversity which will create added value for our executive team, CEO Aleksi Arpiainen sums up.

Pirkanmaa Exports Award is a recognition for our dauntless export expansion

The award jury described TT Gaskets as an international growth company with intrepid intentions to increase the share of exports within our turnover. The jury gave special thanks for emphasizing exports in our strategy. We are targeting Scandinavia, German-speaking Europe and North America in our coming export efforts.

–  Customer orientation and proximity are crucial in exports, and in this regard, we are preparing to take entirely new steps. We have already started a model in Sweden where we are easily accessible to our customers, and we intend to replicate the same pattern in new areas. Larger launches are coming soon, Business Director Petri Lehtinen promises.

Collaboration with top university opens up new avenues for exports

The United States has become our fastest-growing market area in the 2020s. Conquering this highly competitive market requires a profound understanding, which is why we have conducted thorough market research in collaboration with UCLA, one of the top universities in the US.

– We have gained a clear understanding of who our potential customers are, what are our most viable geographical locations, and who the right stakeholders are for us. We need to approach the market “boots on the ground.” Increasing our customer base requires having several local agents on the continent.

EcoVadis assessment yielded top results for TT Gaskets

Ranking among the top seven percent in the international EcoVadis sustainability assessment proved that our long-term investments in sustainability are paying off. Sustainability and responsibility permeate our operations on environmental, social, and governance levels. Sustainable choices strengthen our competitiveness.

Corporate responsibility is not just empty rhetoric for us but significant actions towards a brighter future. Our goal is to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2027. Sustainability is also emphasized in our international growth strategy.

– We aspire to be sustainability pioneers and advocates within certain markets where issues related to responsibility are not yet at the forefront. We want to promote best practices and spread the message for a good cause on our own scale, says Quality, Lean and IT Director Matti Järvinen.

Micaseal Suniflex is our first proprietary gasket material

TT Gaskets’ first private label gasket material Micaseal Suniflex has gotten a great reception among our customers. Suniflex has proved to be a successful material, and gaskets made from it perform very well even in demanding conditions.

– Suniflex is designed to withstand extremely hot temperatures of nearly 1000 degrees centigrade, and it performs reliably in different chemical environments. Experiences of its appliances have been highly positive. The mica-based material’s name is a tribute to late Key Account Director Jukka Sunila, Petri Lehtinen says.

The year 2023 was significant for us in many ways. We achieved significant milestones and recognitions that reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and responsibility. Considering these achievements, our focus is already on the future and new ventures. This is a good starting point for moving forward!


TT Gaskets explores US market opportunities together with UCLA

October 3, 2023

Exports play an increasingly crucial role in TT Gaskets’ business, and the United States has become the fastest-growing market for the traditional gasket manufacturer in recent years. Positive experiences and insights gained from the Scandinavian and German-speaking European markets have reinforced the notion that there is a broad international demand for the company’s products, innovations, and service model.

”The United States is a natural extension of this development, but operating there effectively requires a profound understanding. This is why we have decided to conduct a thorough market study before making significant investments,” TT Gaskets’ Business Development Director Petri Lehtinen says.

TT Gaskets applied for the University of California, Los Angeles’s (UCLA) Global Access Program in late 2022. The collaboration initiated this summer is currently investigating possibilities for the innovative gasket company within the challenging North American market.

Close collaboration on two continents

The project’s guidelines and objectives have been refined in close collaboration through meetings on both sides of the Atlantic, with the most recent visit being the UCLA team traveling to Tampere in late September.

“The study started immediately after July’s kick-off meeting in California. UCLA’s five-member team is currently conducting customer, supplier, and expert interviews in the United States, which will form the basis for our export development plan by the end of the year,” Lehtinen says.

TT Gaskets is seeking export growth from within the company’s traditional customer sectors. The rapidly accelerating energy revolution is also creating new opportunities for the innovative Finnish sealing company.

“We hope that this market study will generate approaches that help us gain an even stronger foothold in the United States. If and when effective operational models emerge, they can then be applied in Europe as well,” Lehtinen sums up.

The UCLA team working in Los Angeles visited Tampere in late September


Behind the Gaskets | Expert interview: People are the best part of Customer Service Manager Sonja’s work

September 14, 2023

TT Gaskets’ Customer Service Manager Sonja Karne delights our customers by solving even their trickiest challenges.

Sonja Karne

There will soon be cause for celebration as Sonja celebrates her 20th work anniversary with TT Gaskets. Originally starting out in our water cutting department, Sonja has been a permanent fixture of our sales department since the turn of the decade.

Interested in engineering since her youth, Sonja has studied multiple degrees at different schools, the latest of which is a degree in mechanical automation from the Tampere University of Applied Sciences. She has also developed her expertise while working at different companies. The opportunity to advance her career at TT Gaskets has resulted from her own initiative. Sonja’s greatest source of motivation in work is learning new things.

“My goal has been to learn as much as possible in every job I have done. I’ve only been in my current role for a couple of years, but I feel that the future holds a lot for me,” Sonja says.

Sonja’s work consists of drafting offers, receiving orders, and supporting the sales department in addition to her own team. Variation ensures that the work remains challenging, but Sonja is known for her positive attitude in any situation.

“When you’re juggling several things at once, it’s important to remain calm. Even though I’m often receiving multiple inquiries from different directions simultaneously, the work gets done swiftly and systematically.”

Immediate atmosphere makes work meaningful

Customers rely on Sonja with many issues relating to orders, delivery times and our products’ technical properties. She has succeeded in gaining our customers’ trust and has built lengthy relationships by helping them through tricky situations.

“I am warmed when I’m able to brighten up our customers’ days. It doesn’t have to be something big, but the knowledge that I have made someone’s day better is rewarding. Over the years, many customers have become good acquaintances, and we’ll talk about a lot of non-work-related matters.”

In Sonja’s role, collaboration is close with both customers and her own colleagues across departmental boundaries. In her opinion, the best part of the job is quite simply the people.

“Our workplace, with fewer than a hundred employees, is truly close-knit. Everyone knows each other and has become close over the years. TT Gaskets is flexible as an employer, and the overall atmosphere is one where employees are well taken care of.”

Sonja warmly recommends her field and current job to anyone who wants to learn new things and challenge themselves.

“This is the right job if you want to develop yourself. It’s inspiring to work in a company that constantly strives to move forward and stay ahead of development. The attitude of moving forward rubs off on the employees as well.”

In her free time, Sonja recharges her batteries at her summer cottage and enjoys spending time with her dogs. You can also run into her at concerts and summer festivals.

“My spouse and dogs ensure a balance between work and leisure. Cottage life is also important, as thoughts easily detach from work matters at the summer cottage.”


80-year-old agile family business forges a safer industrial tomorrow

September 8, 2023

The year 2023 marks a milestone at TT Gaskets as our family business celebrates its 80th birthday. With innovation, curiosity, and learning new things having always been at our core, we are looking towards the future on our anniversary – while respecting and valuing our roots.

The months leading up to our celebration have been interesting thanks to the many messages I’ve received from our former employees. It has been great to learn about our significance for people over the years – either as a first working life experience or a later springboard for career development. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories! You have taught me new things about both our business and my family.

These, in turn, are some comments we’ve received from our customers:

“The best kept secret in Janka.”

“Things are really happening in Tampere.”

“We really appreciate the fact that we are more than just a number for you.”

I am truly elated that we have been able to establish an excellent ecosystem among our Finnish partners as well as a growing number of international partners over the years. Together we can tackle even broader and trickier sealing challenges.

Our determination to overcome challenges stems from within. Throughout the years, we’ve had the chance to create innovative solutions around the world. The feeling of shared success, as well as the gratitude and relief of our customers, continue to motivate and inspire us. At the same time, we get to challenge our expertise and learn new things.

Experience carries us through even the hardest challenges

The skill of listening to and caring about our customers is engrained in our corporate culture. When you have an illustrated history and are genuinely interested in others, you can’t help but learn a lot about customers’ technologies and their culture. Our daily success in resolving customer issues is a result of our extensive experience dealing with a wide range of challenges. Experience and enduring partnerships often also bring the benefit of understanding our customer organizations and their operations more deeply than they do themselves in some instances. We understand the kind of solutions our customers are seeking or what adds the most value to their customers.

TT Gaskets’ longevity and experience enable internal sounding boards and the ability to reflect on earlier successes for our employees. We are a known and respected operator within our niche. This gives us pride in our everyday work. Our 80-year track record of delivering on our promises has been an asset, especially during challenging times like the COVID crisis and Russia’s war against Ukraine, where raw material availability was disrupted. Long and trusting partnerships are invaluable in such situations.

Bold innovation since day one

Curiosity and the aspiration to understand everything new is characteristic for us. During my grandfather’s days we developed Finland’s first substitute gasket materials and supported our Defence Forces in their battle for our country’s independence. My father introduced water cutting to the Finnish gasket industry and was a proponent of more efficient toolless manufacturing.

In recent years we have innovated sensor-equipped smart gaskets, new raw materials, anti-counterfeit inking and mobile manufacturing solutions. Looking ahead, we will offer compelling solutions for the global electrification trend, innovations related to hydrogen, and the broader energy revolution. We’ll continue to generate these innovations in close collaboration with our customers, R&D department plus universities and startups. Meanwhile, we will broaden our international operations and establish even closer partnerships with our customers. Our goal is to provide peace of mind and build an even safer industrial tomorrow through our smart sealing solutions.

Share your memories about TT Gaskets

I hope you’ve had the chance to read the trilogy about our three-generation journey from the 1940s to where we are now. If you haven’t, I strongly recommend checking out the series either from our website or LinkedIn. Included are some fun photographs from the past!

We are celebrating our past and planning our future together with our staff and stakeholders at the Laukko Manor on September 8th. We would also like to get in touch with our customers and share our plans for becoming a 100-year-old family business. Join us at the Finnish Subcontracting Fair in Tampere from September 26th to 28th and the Elmia fair in Jönköping from November 14th to 16th. Let’s raise a toast for shared success!

Wishing everyone a beautiful autumn and expressing gratitude to all who have contributed to shaping our shared history and a safer industrial future,

Aleksi

Aleksi Arpiainen is the CEO of TT Gaskets in the third generation. According to him, the success of a family business is fueled by continuous development and innovation. In the blog, Aleksi sheds light on his thoughts on where the world of gaskets is going.


A huge achievement in our collaboration with University of Turku!

June 27, 2023

As you might have read from our Smart Blog, we’ve been researching various anti-counterfeiting methods in collaboration with University of Turku for some time now. Now the work continues with even more enthusiasm, as the Post Docs in Companies (PoDoCo) program granted the research group with funding!

“We’ve been researching various anti-counterfeiting methods under the leadership of Smart Product Specialist Jaakko Niukkala for several years. These methods include both physical markings, such as product numbers and serial numbering, on products with laser and ink jet, as well as product identification at the software level, which are based on individual QR codes,” says Aleksi Arpiainen.

The well documented research led to an inspiring collaboration: since summer 2022 the research has been conducted together with PhD Ian Machado and the Intelligent Materials Chemistry Group from the University of Turku.

”I was surprised to get contacted by University of Turku as we have had no connections there. What really got me interested of the collaboration was the fact that they were searching for potential commercial uses for the photochromic material with some very promising properties. After the mandatory paperwork we got things rolling smoothly and with low threshold. Both us and the UTU team are genuinely interested to harness the potential of the material in our applications”, Jaakko sums up.

Through our joint efforts and expertise, a material that is suitable for making markings that are invisible to the eye has been developed, and Machado’s team explores its potential in their own applications.

“We did development work together with the research group, experimenting with mixing the substance with silicone, which we screen-printed into gaskets to improve their sealing properties. The results were promising, so we decided to continue the collaboration”, says Machado.

Ian Machado and our team will continue the research with the help of PoDoCo. Machado thinks that development of uses for smart photochromic materials is a good example of extending the partnership between the academy and industry.

“Among many challenges, optimizing the markers production and concentration can be cited, together with designing new infrastructures for this new approach”, says Machado.

“Our goal is to find out how photochromic material would be easiest to apply to our own work, what conditions it can withstand and how low concentrations it can still be detected. If successful, the project may not only improve the recognizability and safety of our products, but also to commercialize the material for other companies operating in the spare parts market, for example by means of a license model. At best, this would bring significant growth to our business,” Arpiainen describes.

The PoDoCo program: funded by foundations

The PoDoCo program is led by DIMECC and funded by the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation, Maa- ja vesitekniikan tuki ry, Svenska Kulturfonden, The Society of Swedish Literature in Finland (SLS), Finnish Foundation for Technology Promotion, KAUTE Foundation, Foundation for Economic Education, Maj and Tor Nessling Foundation, and The Paulo Foundation, investing a total of approximately 800,000 euros every year, which enables over 24 full-year grants each year.  www.podoco.fi


Mobile services enable agile gasket services during industrial maintenance shutdowns

May 29, 2023

What if maintenance shutdowns in the process industry could be done smarter when it comes to gaskets and other essential components? This is now possible thanks to our deep and lengthy collaboration with leading Finnish maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) companies.

Proactive maintenance, planned shutdowns and renovation projects in various process industry sites ensure a continuous supply of raw materials and essential products for our daily lives. In the Nordic countries, this includes the introduction and increasing production of innovative bio-based products. TT Gaskets’ gasket specification review, agile manufacturing and distribution, as well as consulting, are excellent ways to secure and enhance the progress of maintenance shutdowns.

Flexible industrial shutdown services and mobile manufacturing are particularly relevant right now. There are several reasons for this: the safety and documentation requirements for industrial maintenance shutdowns are becoming stricter, the number of new workers in projects is increasing, and operations are evolving into extensive maintenance and investment projects. Additionally, companies are under pressure to make timely decisions to achieve cost targets and ensure a planned restart of production.

Close collaboration yields the best results

Partnership with TT Gaskets enables a flexible operating model during maintenance shutdowns. Our shutdown services address sealing needs on-site, conveniently and without delays. One of our customers utilizing this opportunity is Borealis Polymers Oy, who have previously used our mobile gasket factory previously and are planning to utilize the TTG Smart Container.

Since we operate near our customers’ production lines and listen closely to each other’s needs, we can jointly respond to unexpected changes. Supporting us in this is our modern gasket factory, which is rapidly developing towards carbon neutrality.

Long-term collaboration creates better opportunities for success as we can use the knowledge from previous years’ maintenance shutdowns and deliveries as a basis for planning and anticipation. Open communication guarantees development on both sides. After a shutdown, one of the most fruitful discussions is the project review session focusing on the project’s successes and development areas.

In the future, our various smart services will hopefully also facilitate various smart field verifications when questions arise about the location of gaskets, post-installation operational conditions, and continuous safety and emission monitoring.

80-year-old TT Gaskets celebrates with the extended family

Close collaboration with our extensive network has been and continues to be the key to TT Gaskets’ long and successful operations. I am pleased to announce that we will be celebrating our 80th anniversary this fall. We feel much younger, and of course, age is just a number 😉

At this point, I would like to thank all our partners and other stakeholders for their ongoing co-operation and continuous development. Let’s celebrate our shared journey this fall on LinkedIn and at our birthday events. In the latter part of the year, we will also participate in trade fairs such as Alihankinta and Elmia.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and relaxing summer!

Aleksi

Aleksi Arpiainen is the CEO of TT Gaskets in the third generation. According to him, the success of a family business is fueled by continuous development and innovation. In the blog, Aleksi sheds light on his thoughts on where the world of gaskets is going.