AGILE AND GROWING EPEC

Epec PDU. A couple of years ago, Epec decided to invest in electric and hybrid technology. In late 2020, the company introduced the Epec PDU product line of traction voltage power distribution units for heavy machinery and commercial vehicles. The PDUs plug a gap in the market and respond to the needs of machine and vehicle manufacturers. The first orders for the protype are in, and Epec will develop the component for serial production over the next two years.

Epec, a member of Ponsse Group, quickly changed its strategy and operations to meet the needs of the machine market, which is growing significantly. The last few years have been successful, and the company has been able to recruit new people extensively.

“If you buy a passenger car, you can access all its features with your smart phone, or maintenance can diagnose it remotely and so on. The same telematics is now being introduced for machines as well,” says Epec’s managing director Jyri Kylä-Kaila.

System developer Epec employs around 150 professionals, more than 100 of whom work in R&D as mechanical, software, system design or electronics engineers. World class expertise is at the heart of all operations.

“A low level of hierarchy and fast decision making combined with well-organised work are seen by our customers as efficiency and agility. We provide solutions with the right price, the right performance and the right features,” says Kylä-Kaila about Epec’s success factors.

Epec’s parent company, Ponsse Plc, mainly influences Epec’s operations through its Board of Directors. According to Kylä-Kaila, a certain level of autonomy is only sensible because of the differences in the business operations of the two companies.

“We do have many joint technology development projects that are very valuable. This sets Epec apart from our closest competitors and enables our strong growth,” he says.

According to Senni Huutera, Epec’s director of business development, being part of an OEM like Ponsse Plc allows Epec to test its technologies in Ponsse’s machines. The possibility for test runs and joint development are rare among Epec’s competition.

“We have a deep understanding of machines and the whole industry. This is one of our strengths, which our customers also value highly. In addition to testing, we have helped Ponsse introduce new technologies in their machines. The latest example of this is the highly advanced telematics,” Huutera says.

DEMAND FOR NEW COMPETENCE IS HIGH According to Kylä-Kaila, diesel engine manufacturers are starting to look into the potential of hydrogen and electricity. This means that they will require new suppliers with a completely new competence profile for the supply of control systems, control devices, electronics and software.

“The supplier must have sufficient capacity in terms of both quality and quantity. We have taken note of this large shift and have continuously improved our operations. Auxiliary systems can make the work of operators easier and increase productivity. We bring ease-of-use and energy savings to our customers’ machines,” Kylä-Kaila says.

Epec Oy specialises in smart machine control systems and advanced electronics for electrically powered machines.

“We have produced many next-generation control systems that can control machines’ hydraulics and functions like steering, breaking and acceleration. In addition, we use simulation-driven development to produce electric and hybrid machines and products for them,” Kylä-Kaila summarises.

Epec creates and innovates future technological solutions close to the customer. Responsible business is incorporated in Epec’s DNA because its products help reduce the carbon footprint of its customers’ machines.

“We have the best occupational safety statistics in the entire Group. Our products can be serviced and repaired to ensure an extensive service life, which is good for the environment. When developing electronics, we have the ability to trace the origin of our raw materials, which is something our customers already demand,” Kylä-Kaila says.

As part of an OEM group, our comprehensive understanding on the machine industry is a great benefit, because the challenges all machine manufacturers face are very similar.

Senni Huutera

The title of supplier to the best companies in the world needs to be earned every day. Global competition is fierce, but we believe we can still grow and increase our market share.