Seamless and professional component manufacturing in collaboration with Harvia

Harvia, Finland’s most renowned sauna stove manufacturer, has grown into a giant in the sauna and spa industry over the past few decades. Founded by Tapani Harvia in 1950, this family business has evolved into an international brand, exporting technologically advanced products to over 80 countries. The key to international success lies in expert customer service.

”We are ambassadors of sauna and related wellness, an international company with strong roots in Finland. We aim to enrich people’s lives by pampering every sense. Harvia makes the most relaxing moments and natural well-being possible. The harmony of mind and body speaks regardless of time and place,” describes Harvia’s purchasing manager Matti Kivimäki.

Internationalization primarily requires brand recognition. The company’s trademarks and product range are known worldwide for meeting the needs of both industry professionals and consumers. A broad customer base has ensured Harvia’s success, making it one of the world’s largest sauna and spa product providers, also measured by revenue (€60.1 million in 2017).

The company employs around 365 professionals in Finland, China and Hong Kong, Romania, Austria, Germany, and Estonia. The headquarters are in Muurame, where the largest production facility for saunas and sauna components is located.

Products Suitable for Every Culture

Today, the sauna is increasingly a comprehensive experience, including much more than just the heater and benches. The heater is, of course, the most important single purchase for any sauna. Harvia’s advantage in the heater market is quality, as the heater is bought to last.

In consumer sales of heaters, Harvia’s largest market area is still Finland, but more modern products are also gaining ground, especially with new construction. Harvia offers interior design services that create comprehensive solutions for all needs and spaces, from benches to speakers and lighting solutions. The product development team continuously creates new ways to build sauna and spa experiences for all senses.

One of Harvia’s customer promises is to offer the industry’s most technologically advanced products and solutions. The product range includes not only heaters but also sauna rooms suitable for various sauna and spa cultures worldwide, infrared and steam saunas, spa modules, digital control centers, and sauna accessories.

A Public Company Needs a Comprehensive Safety Net for Production

The varying needs of the customer base require Harvia’s products to fully embrace technological development. Harvia’s vision is to be the global leader in the sauna and spa industry. Achieving this position requires not only listening to customers carefully but also staying at the forefront of development. To ensure a high-quality and durable product, Harvia needs top expertise from its component manufacturers.

Harvia was listed on the stock exchange in 2018. According to Matti Kivimäki, the listing was possible because Harvia is a well-rounded company, its product range is high-quality, and the brand has a strong history. The stock exchange also represents a significant step towards international markets. Business growth requires exceptional flexibility from production.

”Volumes grow and products change. Production must be able to respond quickly to impulses from sales. The need may arise unexpectedly. In urgent cases, a phone call is enough, and the necessary goods are delivered the next day,” Kivimäki explains.

Maintaining a competitive position while taking significant business steps requires good partners. Cooperation with Bevenic has continued for nearly twenty years. Harvia’s vision includes being a lifelong partner to its customers. Therefore, cooperation must be relaxed and straightforward. The same applies to Harvia’s business partners. As the world changes, both Harvia and its partners must seek new avenues for growth, says Matti Kivimäki.

”Competitiveness partly arises from the ability to automate a sufficiently large part of production. This means investing in technology and modern machinery. Still, the most important resource is personnel. When it is skilled and motivated, the possibilities are endless.”