“Expansion was clear from the outset” – 3D casting company Hetitec expands and internationalises with the power of its concept
Hetitec Oy, a company based in Tampere, is not shy about making promises: it claims to be the world’s fastest foundry. The company has created its own concept, combining 3D sand printing and casting technology. The company has sought growth from the outset: “It was clear to us that if we wanted to expand, we would have to become international.”
Hetitec bases its growth on its concept of continuous development and accelerating production processes. The company’s goal is to deliver critical cast components significantly faster than its competitors.
“We are not competing on mass production; our strength lies in responding to customers’ needs quickly and flexibly. This requires us to develop our production comprehensively and continuously, identify bottlenecks and optimise each work phase,” says Heikki Kantola, CEO.
“Our promise is more than just marketing talk; it is based on our operating model, where every process is optimised for speed without compromising on quality, and every member of personnel is committed to the model. The most important individual factor in our entire concept is our skilled personnel.”
Internationalisation was a prerequisite for growth from the outset
Founded in 2013, Hetitec initially offered 3D printing services. It would later specialise in casting.
• Hetitec Oy is a casting company based in Tampere that uses 3D printing technology for sand moulds.
• Last year, the company employed 36 people.
• In 2023, its net sales were EUR 6.2 million. Year-on-year growth was over 50 per cent.
“When my business partner, Ville Moilanen, and I were thinking about our strategy, we watched some videos on YouTube and, half-jokingly, thought that the casting business did not seem all that difficult. Of course, we knew we needed experts, and since the start, we have looked for experienced professionals from the casting industry to join our team and contribute the necessary expertise,” says Kantola.
Today, Hetitec employs 36 people, and its customers are primarily large companies, including Wärtsilä, Sulzer, and Atlas Copco. Internationalisation has long been a strategic choice for the company.
“From the outset, it was clear to us that if we wanted to expand, we would have to become international.” The Finnish market is too small, so investing in exports has been essential,” Kantola says.
Over half of Hetitec’s net sales already come from abroad, and the largest export markets are Central Europe and North America.
“We could increase our sales fairly quickly, but we need to ensure that our factory capacity and production can keep pace. It is important to understand what customers need and demonstrate that we have a solution to their problem,” Kantola says.
Moving to larger production facilities
Hetitec’s growth targets are supported by a long-standing plan to move to a production plant in Tampere that is three times larger than the current one.
“We are beginning to encounter obstacles, and we can no longer increase production in our existing facilities. The new factory will give us the opportunity to increase capacity and optimise the entire production chain. If everything goes as planned, we will be in new premises later this year,” Kantola says.
The expansion will also allow for new investments. Among other things, Hetitec is planning to acquire new 3D sand printers and automate its processes.
“We need to be able to do more without adding a corresponding number of staff. Automation and modern production methods are central to our growth strategy,” says Kantola.
New experts in the casting industry in cooperation with educational institutions
There is also a shortage of skilled workers in the casting industry. Hetitec cooperates with Tampere University, Tampere University of Applied Sciences and Tampere Vocational College, offering students traineeships and participating in educational programmes to ensure that more professionals enter the field in the future.
“Casting requires special skills, and new skilled workers do not appear out of thin air. We want to be involved in training and recruiting them,” Kantola says.
Hetitec also invests in the development of its employees’ competencies.
“It is important for us that everyone enjoys their work and develops. We have supported the training of our key personnel so that we constantly gain new insight and the capability to drive our business forward.”
The Tampere-based company has participated in research projects to develop processes in the casting industry and test the suitability of new manufacturing methods.
“We have developed a profound understanding of the operation and processes of machines. We have been in situations where, for example, machinery manufacturers have asked us how we have optimised our production so effectively,” Kantola says.
“Cash flow under control, investments considered carefully”
Kantola states that an SME seeking growth must understand that its cash flow needs to be under control and its investments must be carefully considered.
“If you want to expand, you need to make sure your business is profitable. Development must not merely be an expense; it must be driven by business needs and generate added value. All our investments are made on the principle that they will drive our concept forward and boost our competitiveness.”
Market knowledge and an understanding of customer needs are also critical.
“We have to know exactly what our customers need and ensure we develop the right things. It is not enough to have great technology if no one wants to buy your products,” Kantola says.
“SMEs need to get by on their own.”
According to CEO Heikki Kantola, SMEs could have an easier path to growth if their administrative burden were reduced and support schemes were more practical.
“It is often said that SMEs are the backbone of the Finnish economy, but in practice, they have to get by on their own. The support systems are complex and often intended for large companies.”
Kantola is optimistic about Hetitec’s future.
“We have a clear plan: we are developing our production, investing in exports and making sure we have the right people working for us. Growth is not just our goal; it is essential for us to drive our concept forward.”
The CEO has calculated his company’s tax and export footprint
Heikki Kantola, CEO of Hetitec, has calculated his company’s tax and export footprint. He wanted to identify the company’s impact on society and the economy.
The calculation encompassed the key figures over the past four years:
- EUR 7 million of direct exports
- EUR 1.7 million of taxes paid
- EUR 5 million of purchases from Finnish operators (85 per cent of which remained in Finland)
- EUR 4.3 million of net salaries paid
Kantola would like more debate about the importance of SMEs for public finances and society. He says that the impact of companies is often perceived merely in terms of the subsidies they receive or the dividends they pay out. Meanwhile, the benefits they generate are considerably more extensive. He encourages other companies to make similar calculations to highlight the real value of SMEs.
Text: Mikko Viljanen / Photos: Matias Ahonen