Heavy-duty precision Sisu Axles

in its human resources. Two major recent investments are certainly worth mentioning. The first one has been the launch of a brand new high-level storage facility for 4,000 pallets, fitted with automated pallet-movement systems, which is a highly innovative technological improvement. The second most recent investment is the modernisation of two new technological lines. Together these projects are worth PLN 5 million.

Jantoń Group is also investing as a socially-responsible business in a number of sports-based initiatives – these include a female basketball team, a local youth football team, as well as horse-drawn carriage sports. “For me personally, but also for the wider management team, it is very important to be a socially-responsible corporate organisation, to be able to give something back to the community,” says Mr Jantoń. “We also publicise our sponsoring activities and our operations in general through various media channels, including the trade and general press and the Internet. It is an important way for promoting Jantoń Group as when you are working in the alcohol business the possibility to advertise is limited by various legislations and rules.” Distribution in Poland and across export markets

Jantoń S.A. SPK cooperates with all major wholesale (Makro, Selgross and others) and retail networks in the country (all of the largescale retail networks), with 90 per cent of distribution going to Poland and 10 per cent to foreign customers. “Export activities are very new for us, as only two years ago turnover from foreign sales was around 2 per cent,” explains Mr Jantoń. “Today we work with Lithuania and Latvia, where we sell economy products, as well as Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland and Japan, where we distribute organic wine made from aronia berries. We are looking to expand to new markets, which is the responsibility of our dedicated export department.”

In the near future Jantoń Group will focus on two main strategies for growth; the production company, Jantoń S.A. SPK will increase its scope of operations through organic expansion, further investments as well as purchases of more brands of wine from across the world. Jantoń Distribution Ltd, while growing organically, will also be engaged in various acquisitions, depending on whether they are appropriate to the overall growth strategy of the entire Group. n

HEAVY-DUTY PRECISION

Sisu Axles is a global leader in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty planetary reduction axles. Philip Yorke talked to Jouni Teppo, the company’s managing director about its latest niche market products and move into new markets.

Founded in Finland over 80 years ago, Sisu Axles has its roots in the Finnish truck, military and special vehicle industry. Working in close cooperation with Sisu Trucks of Finland the company has created a unique knowledge base that extends beyond vehicle axle technology. Today Sisu Axles is owned by Marmon Highway Technologies (MHT), a Berkshire Hathaway company, which serves the global heavy transport industry.

Sisu Axles is based in Hämeenlinna, Southern Finland and its specialized products are employed in heavy-duty vehicles working in extreme environments worldwide. The company serves customers that are niche market suppliers rather than those making products for high-volume vehicle manufacturing. Sisu Axles provides solutions that are tailor-made to meet individual terrain challenges, whether its for steer drive, multiaxle rear axles or steer non-drive axles.

In addition, Sisu produces axles for special purpose vehicles such as those designed for military and industrial applications. In 2013 the company produced over 5,000 heavy-duty axles and recorded sales of around €30 million.

Tailor-made solutions

Sisu Axles is a true solutions provider and driven by the specialized requirements of its customers. The company’s solutions are available worldwide and are supported by its experienced R&D team in Finland and by its extensive spares department with its high availability which minimizes the risk of vehicles down-time. Sisu Axles is unique in that it can assist customers to equip their vehicle with axle systems that they will not find anywhere else.

Teppo says, “We remain a very flexible independent company as an autonomous business unit of the MHT Group which operates a well proven decentralised system. We are structured to provide dedicated customer services through our two divisions: Sisu Axles OEM, which is involved in axle engineering, manufacture and assembly, and Sisu Aftermarket Services, which operates at a different location and focuses on technical support, marketing and after-sales services.

“Until recently we had our own machine workshop, which now operates as a privately owned company and much of our machining is outsourced to the new company called Sisu Worx. We have an extensive, experienced and dedicated supplier base to support our specialized business. We have our own engineering team and our products are based entirely on our own design and engineering expertise and capabilities.

“Among our key customers Patria, Sisu Trucks & Cargotec are related to the former

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