Meet the Member – Aurajoki Oy
Meet Ralf Sohlström from our member company Aurajoki Oy
Who are you? My name is Ralf Sohlström and I am working as Business Director at Aurajoki Oy responsible for the operations of our Turku factory.
What is your company specialized in? Aurajoki can supply you with the most versatile and comprehensive range of surface treatments of metals as the leading operator in the field in Finland. Our services cover, among others, hot-dip galvanizing, electroplating, anodising and powder painting. We can provide your products with the best possible protection against corrosion as well as a stylish, mechanically and chemically resistant surface to anything you need.
We have 6 factories in Finland, and our Turku factory is specialised in electrolytic coatings and powder painting which are done under the same roof. We provide over 50 different types of electrolytic coatings. Our powder painting line is 170 m long and can handle products up to 6,5 m long.
Tell us about your clients and other key shareholders or partners? We have a wide range of different kind of customers manufacturing metal products in Finland and abroad. Aurajoki is a trusted partner in shipbuilding coating solutions and has a long history of supplying powder painting and coatings to ship building industry.
What services or products do you offer to other YardMate members? Aurajoki can help in achieving the most cost competitive total solution with optimal lifetime. To other YardMate members we have mainly supplied powder painting and anodising of aluminium constructions, including cruise vessel balconies. We have provided surface treatments in our customer’s and co-subcontractor’s specific need for ship decoration as well. Aurajoki has also delivered hot-dip galvanizing for piping systems on board and for steel structures, handrails, staircases etc. With the help of Aurajoki ship-owners and shipyards can plan and design structures, surfaces and components with the best possible coating solution.
Aurajoki is always looking for new innovations to help our customers get the best surface treatment for their products. For instance, the current situation has given us a chance to protect the end users as well as we now provide a new sort of powder painting. It has top finish that is antibacterial and inhibits the growth of bacteria on the painted surface, including COVID-19.
What are your expectations for YardMate? From YardMate we expect new contacts and inquiries from metal construction manufacturers for the shipbuilding industry by networking with the other YardMate members.
What are your future needs regarding personnel? Our need of personnel will increase in the future as the demand from shipyards is increasing. Our aim is to grow our position in the field as a operator that provides more sustainable solutions of surface treatment without wearing out the environment.
What are your future needs regarding sub-contractors and partners? Hopefully we can through YardMate find partners for joint product development and offerings.
Anything else you wish to say to us? When it comes to coating in marine environment Aurajoki is your partner in the most sustainable and visually appealing coating solutions.
