Industry innovator Vexve Oy

INDuSTRY INNoVAToR

Vexve Oy, one of the world’s leading suppliers of high quality valves for the most demanding district heating and cooling applications, has expanded its reach. Major investment in a new production facility in Russia as well as in its product development capability is set to further boost the company’s position in global markets. Romana Moares reports.

Based in Sastamala, Finland, Vexve is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high quality valves specifically developed for district heating and district cooling applications. The company was founded in 1960 and its products, manufactured in its operational facilities in Sastamala and Laitila, are exported annually to over 30 countries. Vexve is known for high-quality products, rapid delivery and superior customer service as well as its expertise in energy and environment.

Vexve’s products are sold under three brands – Vexve, Naval and Hydrox – which together create a comprehensive and unparalleled offering. The complete product range covers everything from ball and butterfly valves to manual gears as well as electric and hydraulic actuators, plus customised special solutions such as extension spindles.

In line with internationally increasing sales, the company opened a new facility in St Petersburg in 2018. The production plant manufactures welded and flanged steel ball valves to better meet the needs of its local customers and to accelerate market growth. “Vexve has a long tradition in the Russian market and we are delighted to also be able to serve our long-term customers through local manufacturing,” says Jussi Vanhanen.

Reliable, efficient and smart

The company’s R&D capabilities give it a clear competitive advantage. In the last few years, Vexve has launched several transformational products including the HydroX™ hydraulic control solution that represents one of the most advanced products in its category in the market, and, most recently, the Vexve X for HVAC market.

“Vexve X, launched in October 2018, is the first complete series of shut-off and balancing valves on the market with integrated press fit

connection made of carbon steel and acid-resistant steel,” says Mr Vanhanen. “The differentiating features are its integrated press fits. Before, the connections were either welded, threaded or flanged so now we have introduced a fourth option – a new technology which is increasingly demanded.”

The X Series valves are designed to optimally close and adjust the heating and cooling networks of buildings. Integrated press fits reduce the number and working steps of the required parts and reduce the risk of leakage as the number of joints decreases with respect to the conventional solution. “In the first stage we are launching this product for the Finnish market and in the second stage international markets will follow,” said Mr Vanhanen.”

In the last two years, Vexve has also spent considerable effort on the so-called ‘smart valve’. The intelligent valve solution now provides tools for optimising the network, improving reliability and enhancing maintenance. It is able to detect changing network situations in real-time so that network control can be optimally adjusted with accurate measurement data. “This has been a very important project for us and I am proud to say that the world’s first underground smart valves have been successfully piloted at Fortum’s district heating network in Espoo, Finland during 2018,” says Mr Vanhanen.

Top quality partner

He further confirms that the company sees positive development across its geographical markets. “We have had a positive year in Europe where the economy has generally improved and the willing-

ness for investment has increased. We see an increasing demand in North America and are going to support sales in Russia. Our service centre in Beijing is also doing well, supporting our customers with the installation of actuators and providing technical support to the Chinese market, with an increasing number of renovation projects supported by the Chinese government.”

Against the generally favourable market environment, are there any challenges for the company? “Well, the evolving market does display a new feature although I would not necessarily call it a challenge. After a period of gradual harmonisation of requirements and regulations on a global scale, we see some signs of this trend being potentially reversed, with emerging demand for local products meeting local regulations. This is a slow development and something which does not present an imminent threat but it needs to be considered. In the future, we have to be

able to adapt to local regulatory requirements. This is, by the way, what we have done in Russia – opening a facility serving the local market only,” said Mr Vanhanen.

He remarked that internally, the company will continue to focus on top quality products and a higher level of production automation. “We believe in product development. This year, investment spent on R&D has been five times higher than in 2017 and this is an area which will remain at the top of our focus.”

This dedication has paid dividends. A survey on customer satisfaction that Vexve conducted a year ago has brought outstanding results, confirming that Vexve is globally known and recognised for top product quality. “The feedback was overwhelming, demonstrating that we have chosen the right way forward. To make sure that our customers retain such a high level of satisfaction is a big commitment, and one that we intend to continue to meet in the future,” Mr Vanhanen concludes. n