MAKO and Woikoski are working together to build safety in demanding environments
The partnership between MAKO and Woikoski, which has lasted for over 30 years, is built on trust, expertise, and shared values. In practice, this partnership is particularly evident in demanding fire suppression systems, where operational reliability is crucial.
A long history provides a strong foundation
MAKO is a Finnish family-owned fire protection company with a history spanning more than a century, whose operations have evolved from hand-held fire extinguishers and water pumps to modern fire suppression solutions. Today, the company’s core expertise lies in gas fire suppression systems for demanding applications.
Our partnership with Woikoski began in the late 1990s, at a time when both companies were still operating on a smaller scale than they do today. The partnership was based not only on business objectives, but above all on people.
– Our collaboration has come a long way. In the beginning, our operations were smaller and more personal; now they have grown into a business. Still, our personal relationships have remained strong, says Pentti Raitamaa, Business Director at MAKO Osakeyhtiö.
Our long shared history has fostered a deep understanding of each other’s ways of working, as well as a strong mutual trust that remains at the heart of our cooperation.
Reliability for Critical Environments
MAKO and Woikoski combine their expertise in areas where safety is non-negotiable. Woikoski supplies the extinguishing gases required for gas fire suppression systems and is responsible for their refilling, logistics, and the smooth operation of the supply chain.
– “Woikoski supplies us with the gases used in gas fire suppression systems, which we use to install these systems in various locations,” Raitamaa says.
Argon, in particular, has taken on a key role. It is a natural, clean, and safe solution that is well-suited for sensitive and valuable applications.
Argon is a naturally occurring noble gas: completely inert, pure, and safe for people. It poses no environmental hazards, Raitamaa explains.
The operating principle of gas fire suppression is simple yet effective: the oxygen concentration in the space is reduced to a level at which the fire can no longer spread.
– The oxygen concentration is reduced to about 11 percent instead of the normal 20.9 percent—in practice, to the level found in mountain air—at which point the fire goes out and no longer spreads, Raitamaa says.
One concrete example of this collaboration can be found at the Woikoski Auto Museum, where a valuable collection of vehicles is protected by an argon-based fire suppression system installed by MAKO.
Cooperation is reflected in the smooth running of everyday life
The importance of cooperation is particularly evident during the operation and maintenance phases. Fire suppression systems must function reliably in all situations, and the maintenance chain must be seamless. When the system is activated, speed and reliability are crucial: refilling the tanks and restoring the system to service must be handled without delay.
Service reliability is extremely important. The systems must function properly, and maintenance must be continuous and reliable, Raitamaa explains.
Over the years, our collaboration has been systematically developed, and practical experience has helped us refine our processes to make them efficient and competitive. Although the operating environment is changing rapidly, our long shared history, strong trust, and shared values create a stable foundation for continuing our collaboration in the decades to come.
– It’s important to remember that people are the ones doing this work. Companies may be strong, but it’s the people who determine how well the collaboration works, Raitamaa sums up.
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