Translated from an article by Jari Niemi published in Itä-Häme. Photo by Armi Salonen.

Petri Liikanen would invest in companies already operating in the region.

Viitos-Metalli Ltd, led by Managing Director Petri Liikanen, has been named Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 in Heinola. The company manufactures thermal and pressure vessel equipment and provides engineering, design and consulting services for the industry.

Founded in 1994, Viitos-Metalli Ltd specializes in pressure equipment, thermodynamics, steam, condensate, hot water and oil systems. The company’s capabilities are complemented by strong cooperation with partners in the electrical and automation sectors.

Petri Liikanen assumed leadership of the company several years ago following the sudden passing of his father. Today, Viitos-Metalli employs 18 people in addition to the entrepreneur himself. The group of companies under Liikanen’s management also includes subsidiary companies Heinolan Hitsauspalvelu Ltd and Heinolan LVI-Asennus Ltd, along with several other businesses. Altogether, the group employs 43 people.

The selection committee highlighted Viitos-Metalli’s long-standing commitment to business operations in Heinola. Following an unexpected generational transition, Petri Liikanen has expanded the entire Viitos Group both innovatively and rapidly. The combined annual turnover of the companies has remained between €4 and €5 million.

Petri Liikanen is regarded as an experienced and respected entrepreneur with interests across several business areas and as an important local employer. Viitos-Metalli’s in-house engineering expertise and extensive experience in machine shop products enable flexible operations and a wide range of services.

Liikanen notes that there are numerous ideas and plans for further business development, but says it is still too early to discuss them publicly.

Petri Liikanen believes that, in the current economic climate, the City of Heinola should place greater emphasis on supporting businesses that are already operating in the area.

“Creating new jobs through existing companies is not easy, but at least money is not wasted in the way it often is when trying to attract entirely new businesses,” Liikanen says. Fortunately, he notes, this approach has also been understood at City Hall.

In addition to industrial operations, Liikanen is active in real estate business. Together with business partners, he owns several properties in Heinola and Lahti.

The Entrepreneur of the Year selection was made by the committee of the Heinola Entrepreneurs Association, which included members of the association’s board as well as Acting Mayor Pirjo Hepo-oja.

According to Liikanen, the biggest challenge facing businesses at the moment is the economic downturn.

“But that, too, will pass,” he concludes.