Subcontracting Fair's main partner Sandvik shows the way in developing sustainable competitiveness
News 29.01.2025
The leading subcontracting industry event, the Subcontracting Fair, will be held from September 30th to October 2nd, 2025, at the Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre. This year’s theme for the largest industrial event in the Nordic countries is “Sustainably competitive”. Our main partner Sandvik demonstrates through their example how sustainability and competitiveness go hand in hand.
Sandvik is an international high-technology industrial group that is focused on improving their customers’ productivity, profitability, and sustainability through their solutions. In Finland, Sandvik is one of the largest technology companies and a pioneer in advancing sustainable development.
“The Subcontracting Fair is an important venue for us not only to meet our suppliers and partners but also to communicate what we do and how we think about important issues such as sustainable development,” says Jani Vilenius, Chief Technology Officer at Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.
“We manufacture products in Finland that are almost entirely exported. This is therefore also our opportunity to showcase how responsibility is reflected in our operations.”
Commitment to sustainability and circular economy
Sandvik is globally committed to a carbon-neutral strategy. In Finland, the company participates in the Circular Economy Green Deal program, which aims to reduce the use of natural resources and promote a low-carbon circular economy. The company focuses on enabling the sustainable mine of the future by driving the development and adoption of automation, digitalization, and electrification in mining and excavation solutions. Through the expertise of its people, the company delivers technologies and service- and data-based business models that enhance productivity, profitability, safety, and sustainability for its customers.
“In the Green Deal program, we focus on solutions that reduce our own emissions while supporting our customers’ carbon neutrality goals. This strengthens the competitiveness of the entire supply chain,” Vilenius explains.
Ambitious goals require balance, as focusing on sustainable development and circular economy must not compromise productivity and operational efficiency. A good sense of judgment and sensible actions are needed to stay competitive globally. Considering this, Vilenius has an important message for subcontracting companies.
“Finnish manufacturing industry is significant for the country’s overall competitiveness and export industry,” Vilenius states and reminds that while we cannot influence the global situation, we can influence our own actions.
“Our goal is to lead by example and move from words to action. We expect the same attitude from our partners. Only together can we achieve significant results.”
Main partnership supports the fair’s theme
The 2025 Subcontracting Fair’s theme “Sustainably competitive” emphasizes how responsible choices and innovations create value throughout the supply chain. Sandvik’s main partnership brings strong concrete examples and inspiring cases to the theme. According to Vilenius, Sandvik wants above all to show that investing in sustainable development can also be a competitive advantage.
“Investments in sustainable development and circular economy are important for the future, not only for Sandvik but for the entire global system. We need to lead by example globally to demonstrate that manufacturing industry can be both sustainable and efficient. Taking an adversarial approach does not help us move forward,” summarizes Vilenius and reminds that Finland is a good place for manufacturing industry.
“However, we must be agile and find new solutions to maintain our position in international competition and promote our industry’s competitiveness.”
Positive attitude leads toward goals
Sandvik’s sustainability work is extensive and reflects in all company operations. Vilenius appreciates that a positive attitude and clear objectives have come from Sandvik’s top management.
“We cannot change the world alone, but we can build sustainable competitiveness together with our partners. The most important thing is the right attitude and willingness to learn,” Vilenius reminds and says he sees the partnership between the Subcontracting Fair and Sandvik as an important step in supporting sustainable development and Finnish manufacturing industry.
“This is a platform where we can share best practices, learn from each other, and show how responsibility and profitability can go hand in hand.”