Woikoski is a strong link in the production chain

For companies that need industrial gases, it is important to have a continuous supply without interruptions to production. Woikoski is a continuity gas supplier with extensive experience in gas supply, supply infrastructure and the use of different gases, which is a significant competitive advantage for its partners.

Loval, founded in the 1960’s, is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of pipe insulation and heating elements. The company designs and manufactures heating solutions in Finland for the international market. The gases and gas networks used in the operation are supplied by Woikoski, with whom Loval has been cooperating since 2002. Woikoski supplies Loval with nitrogen and argon for tanks, hydrogen for containers and a number of other gases in cylinder and loose cylinders.

Erwin Jääskeläinen, Loval’s Maintenance Manager, points out that the continued availability of gas is critical for the company. A disruption in gas supplies would cause production interruptions, which would have a very significant impact.

– In the production process, it is essential that the gas never runs out. The economic consequences of running out of gas are usually huge.

The quantities needed by Loval depend on the gas, and certain gases are consumed in large quantities each year. On the other hand, the demand for individual gases varies and can increase a lot in a short period of time. According to Jääskeläinen, Woikoski has been able to meet these changing needs from the beginning. The fact that, with the growth of Loval, the demand for gas has generally increased since the early days of the cooperation has not hindered consistent deliveries year after year.

– Reliability of delivery is the number one thing that I have been very satisfied with. I have never run out of gas.

Decades of cooperation have given Loval much more than just reliable gas supplies. Woikoski’s own history goes back as far as the second century, but that has never meant being stuck in the past. From its long-standing roots, it has grown into a far-sighted pioneer in its field, whose extensive expertise benefits Loval year after year. Thanks to Woikoski’s dense network of contacts, Loval can find answers to questions that go beyond the scope of the companies’ cooperation. Jääskeläinen says that he contacts Woikoski for all gas-related matters.

– What I like about the partnership is that they are not just a gas supplier. They have helped me with many gas-related issues, even if they are not directly related to the supply of gas.

Loval’s operations continue to expand and construction of the factory extension started last year: the new 10,000 square metre production hall will practically double Loval’s premises. The expansion of the premises will match the growth in production, which will also increase the scale required for gas supplies and networks. The consumption of certain types of gas will increase.

For example, for hydrogen, Loval currently has two hydrogen containers, one of which is used at a time. An automatic detection system detects when one container is empty and hydrogen is used from the other container. Thanks to remote monitoring, Woikoski detects when a container is empty and proceeds to fill it while the other container is in use. In the near future, Loval will receive a third hydrogen container from Woikoski to meet the growing demand.

Based on Jääskeläinen’s experience, Woikoski serves its customers well. Their people are always easy to contact when needed, and different problem situations are resolved efficiently. All in all, it is easy for Jääskeläinen to recommend Woikoski as a competent, reliable and responsive gas supplier.

– We are in touch with our contacts quite often. If there have been any problems, things have always been resolved. I would give it a very good rating.