The three-day Subcontracting Fair has once again succeeded in gathering the key players of the manufacturing industry at Tampere Sports & Expo. The largest industrial event in the Nordic countries is now being held for the 37th time.
Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand
This year’s theme is Sustainable Competitiveness. The theme highlights the idea that sustainable business is much more than just responsibility reports. Companies that invest in sustainability stand out in the market while also improving their operational efficiency. “Sustainable competitiveness is no longer a choice, it is a necessity,” summarized Jani Vilenius from Sandvik, the event’s main partner, in his opening speech. The significance of responsible and innovative business is particularly emphasized in the speeches and program content of the Theme Village, built in Hall B of the Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre.
Subcontracting enables success
The Subcontracting Fair is the place where industry meets buyers, ideas are exchanged, products are launched, and new innovations are born. Tuomas Räsänen, CEO of Tampere Trade Fairs, summed up the core mission of the Subcontracting Fair in his opening speech: “Our promise is: ‘Subcontracting enables success.’ Our goal is to promote Finnish technological expertise, support export markets, and create a platform for new ideas and cooperation.” The well-being of Finnish society relies on exports. Exports rely on manufacturing. Manufacturing relies on subcontracting. Thus, the Subcontracting Fair is an enabler of Finland’s exports and social well-being.
Awards to Ostrobothnia and Central Finland
At the opening of the Subcontracting Fair, the Finnish Association of Purchasing and Logistics LOGY ry granted the awards for the Main Supllier of the Year 2025 and the Subcontractor of the Year 2025. The Main Contractor of the Year 2025 award went to the environmental technology company Tana Oy, which specializes in designing and subcontracting intelligent machines for solid waste treatment.
“Tana has systematically built a strategic subcontracting-based business model. A clear growth plan, a solid operational foundation, and a responsible way of working provide the company with excellent conditions for international success,” summarized Janne Lehtimäki, chair of LOGY’s Subcontracting Award Committee. The Subcontractor of the Year 2025 award went to MSK Plast Oy, a manufacturer of plastic components and a subsidiary of the diversified family-owned MSK Group. The award committee emphasized MSK Plast Oy’s strong customer orientation, controlled growth, internationalization, and innovative product development. The company combines family business values with modern management, makes effective use of digitalization, and operates responsibly with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality. Investments in energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint have led to positive results both for the environment and the economy.