Company story of Summanen Oy

Tanja Lundén says:

Summanen's story begins in the 1950s. Valtteri Summanen cultivated flower bulbs for work in the village of Okeroinen. Little by little, he started making metal products for the villagers for their needs, such as yard gates and swings. In 1957, the demand for metalwork had grown so much that Valtteri decided to give up farming altogether and started supporting his family with metalwork.

Valtteri had work experience at furniture companies in Lahti from previous years, and his expertise in furnishing was visible in everything he did. Valtteri's son Kari watched his father's work since he was a little boy, enthusiastically participating in the tinkering with his father's guidance. Kari decided to continue Summanen's operations, following in his father's footsteps and at the same time making new territorial conquests. Business took on new dimensions and even more investment was made in furnishing.

The golden age of the TV chair

One of the most important products in Summanen's history was the legendary television chair, of which several tens of thousands were produced. In addition to the chair itself, the legs of the chair were manufactured for different furniture factories and chains, for up to 20 years.

In the early 1990s, due to the recession in Finland, Summanen, like many other companies, went bankrupt. We got out of bankruptcy and started to develop and expand the company to players in different industries. The challenges caused by the recession brought about a new kind of foresight and the building of a more solid business foundation. Blowing coal together and the great atmosphere of working together has been an integral part of our company's history. For years, Summanen has been seen as an enabler of a meaningful work career, and many employees' careers have lasted several decades.

In the third generation

For Kari's daughter, Tanja, the change of generation was not a given in her career. Tanja started participating in the company's operations in 2008, and already two years after that, an official generational change was made. After stepping into her father's shoes, Tanja had her own clear vision for the development of the company from the beginning. Under his leadership, our company has been moved forward both digitally and production-wise. Today, the operation is also complemented by our own furniture brands, Monena and Alastek, which combined with project and subcontract manufacturing form a threefold expertise in furniture. 

Name change

In the spring of 2020, the company's name officially changed from Metallitutoe Summanen Oy to Summanen Oy. The current name better reflects what we are today. Of course, the manufacture of metal products has not disappeared anywhere, but further refined customer products, our own products and a more versatile use of materials are essential parts of our offer. We are the ace of metal products and special furniture.

"At Summa, we have professionals working for professionals. Our operations are based on interaction and strategic partnership - our know-how is at your disposal. Challenge us and get in touch. Let's find out how we can help you!" – Tanja Lundén

Summanen Oy in a nutshell

Industry: Contract manufacturing of metal products and furnishing brands Monena and Alastek
Office: Hollola
Turnover: €4,0 M (2020)
Number of personnel: 27