Gas, fire extinguishers and a touch of humour from Jyväskylä
Jyväskylä’s Poratie is a steady hustle and bustle. Vans are whizzing around the yard, gas cylinders are being loaded on board and a carbon dioxide filling machine is hissing in the background. The atmosphere is relaxed. If you listen carefully, you can make out some lively laughter.
This is the home of Woikoski’s reseller A-Sammutinhuolto, a second-generation family business with long experience and its feet firmly planted in Central Finland.
From father to son
The story of A-Sammutinhuolto begins in 1989, when entrepreneur Jarmo Hänninen’s father Leevi founded the company in Lutakko, Jyväskylä. A few years later, more hands were needed, and Jarmo joined the team.
-That’s how we ended up doing the same job as my father, Jarmo says cheerfully.
Today, the company operates on Poratie, where it has been running its daily business for almost ten years. Over the years, the work has become more efficient, but the atmosphere has remained pleasantly uncomplicated. In addition to Jarmo, the company employs two salespeople.
Woikoski and A-Sammutinhuolto found each other already in the early 90s. When a regional salesman from Woikoski came to propose a partnership, the first answer was simple: no thanks. But the question remained.
– But then my father decided to call. That’s how it started and this year marks 35 years of cooperation, Jarmo says.
This is a good reminder that sometimes it pays to give things a second chance.
In addition to the sale, inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, the product range of A-Sammutinhuolto includes Woikoski industrial and liquid gases and welding supplies, not forgetting carbon dioxide filling, which requires both precision and experience.
Marko Vasara, co-salesman of A-Sammutinhuolto, and Jarna Piironen, regional salesperson of Woikoski.
When asked about a typical customer, Jarmo laughs.
– We don’t have one.
And rightly so. Our customers include companies, individuals, farmers, municipalities and city authorities. Everyone is welcome, big or small. The large yard can be easily accessed with larger equipment.
When it comes to the Woikoski cooperation, Jarmo raises an issue that is not always self-evident:
– The best thing is that you can talk to Woikoski’s contact persons about anything. Cooperation is open and straightforward.
The relaxed conversation with our own regional salesperson, Jarna Piironen, is also a sign of the easy-going nature of the business. And when the products fit perfectly, especially for the welding customer, it works both ways.
A-Sammutinhuolto is a good example of how perseverance, a straightforward attitude and a touch of humour go a long way. And when there’s a steady buzz in the yard, you know your customers will find their way.
Jarna Piironen from Woikoski and Jarmo Hänninen, Juho Vasara and Marko Vasara from A-Sammutinhuolto.
