Virhydro Oy has been serving professionals for two generations
Nearly 40 years of collaboration, strong roots as a family business, and service with a twinkle in the eye. Virhydro Oy, a Woikoski retail outlet located in Virrat, is a familiar destination for many professionals, offering tools, hydraulics, and Woikoski gases. The company employs about 17 people.
Virhydro Oy has been serving professionals for two generations
When people in Virrat need hydraulics, tools, welding supplies, or gases, they often turn to Virhydro. This family-owned business, which has been in operation for nearly 40 years, has grown into a well-known technical supply store in the region, serving industrial professionals, contractors, and consumers alike.
With over 2,000 square meters of retail space, a selection of more than 20,000 products, and expert service, Virhydro is the place to find solutions for a wide range of needs. The company also serves as a retail outlet for Woikoski gases.
The story of the family business continues into the second generation
Aleksi Mäntysalmi, CEO of Virhydron, represents the company’s second generation of entrepreneurs. Although the responsibility of CEO now rests on his shoulders, the company’s roots stretch far back into the family’s history.
“I’ve been hanging around here since I was a little boy. I started working at Virhydro when I was 15, so this has basically always been a part of my life,” Aleksi says.
The company remains firmly a family business. Aleksi’s father, the company’s founder, has already retired, but other family members continue to work at the company in various roles.
From meeting the needs of local industry to becoming a versatile department store
Virhydron’s story began in 1987, when three local entrepreneurs were looking for a supplier in the area—specifically for hydraulic products and fasteners. The town’s strong metal industry was quickly reflected in the company’s growth.
“Welding products were added to our product line very quickly. Our fundamental reason for existing has been to serve local industry,” Aleksi explains.
Over the years, the product selection has grown significantly. Today, Virhydro offers, among other things, tools, hydraulic components, work clothing, work footwear, spare parts, batteries, and welding equipment to meet the needs of professionals and demanding hobbyists.
Gases, welding machines, and supplies—all under one roof
Woikoski products have been part of Virhydron’s product line almost since the company’s inception.
“According to various sources, our collaboration with Woikoski began as early as 1988, so we’ve been on this journey together for quite a while,” Aleksi chuckles.
Through Virhydron, customers receive Woikoski’s liquefied petroleum gases, automotive gases, welding gases, and other industrial gases. The product lineup also includes EWM welding machines and Elga welding supplies.
What our customers have in common is a can-do attitude
Virhydron’s customer base is diverse, but many customers share certain characteristics.
“Our typical customer is someone wearing safety gear with a van parked in the yard,” Aleksi describes with a twinkle in his eye.
The company primarily serves businesses in the industrial, earthmoving, forestry machinery, and agricultural sectors, but it also serves private customers.
– If you’re interested in products in this field, you’re more than welcome!
Trust endures from decade to decade
A long-term partnership doesn’t happen by chance. According to Aleksi, one of the most important reasons for the nearly four-decade-long partnership between Woikoski and Virhydro has been the ease of working together.
– Working with Woikoski has always been smooth. There has never been any real reason to question our partnership. Our collaboration has been characterized by mutual trust.
And when the collaboration works well, it’s easy to continue it year after year.
Why not? As long as things are working out, let’s keep working together—even for 40 more years!