Reinforced plastic manufacturer has the wind in its sails

Ekin Muovi Oy, the Virtasalmi-based reinforced plastic manufacturer, has succeeded in growing its output even during the recession. One reason for this is the contract it signed with the Finnish wind power company WinWInD to produce the machine room housings for wind power stations.  The housings are the size of a small private house and they are manufactured at the company's plant in Virtasalmi.

- Our operation has grown steadily over the last years and wind power components are one of the most significant factors, explains Managing Director Erkki Lappi.

Ekin Muovi has been manufacturing various plastic products at Virtasalmi now for 25 years. Although the company has been on a strong upward growth curve through the 2000s, producing components for wind power stations boosted its investments still further. With the addition of 18 employees to the payroll in 2009, the workforce now numbers 60. And, last spring, a 3,500 m² extension of the plant was completed.

- The wind power station side has actually been a bit quieter following a vigorous start. Many wind farms at the moment are waiting for investment decisions, and this is naturally also reflected in the order book. We're expecting growth again in the autumn, as new wind farm projects start up, Mr Lappi predicts.

Although additional building of wind power stations will bring a lot of potential for Ekin Muovi, the company is also trying to develop its production of other products. Company production also gets support from the engineering company RST Lapit Oy which operates under the same roof and also has Mr Lappi as its Managing Director.

- Although our main emphasis is plastic products, with our engineering shop capabilities we can complement our product range and make it more comprehensive. The good times have given use good opportunities to further develop our operations, concludes Mr Lappi.

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