KWH at Glance
From timber export to global industrial group
The KWH Group is a third-generation family business with its roots deeply anchored in Ostrobothnia. It all began in the 1920s with the export of timber. Since then, the Group has developed and renewed itself in line with the changing world. Over the decades, we have operated in a range of different industries, from the textile industry to being one of the world’s leading manufacturers of water and drainpipes.
Renewal has always been our guiding star. When the outlook for an industry has weakened, we have had the courage to rethink, leave the old behind, and invest in something new. That ability to adapt has been crucial for our long-term development.
Today, the Group’s main areas of operation are abrasives and sanding machines, logistics, frozen storage and water traps. Several of these operations once constituted only minor parts of the whole, but have grown strong through targeted investments under the stable ownership of the parent company.
The culture of constant renewal is a central explanation for why the KWH Group today is a versatile industrial group with international reach. With roots in timber export, it is natural that export still plays an important role for our subsidiaries. At the same time, sustainability has become an increasingly integrated part of our strategy. Our ambition is to be a pioneer in this area as well and to build on our history with the same forward-thinking spirit that has characterised the Group for nearly a hundred years.
A family-owned growth company
Operating principles
An industrial growth company
- We are a knowledge company that focuses on expertise, professionalism, and quality.
- We are a committed long-term owner aiming for growth in our businesses through our financial strength and industrial know-how.
Renewal through innovation
- Our subsidiaries conduct internationally competitive, knowledge-intensive, and service-oriented niche business. We achieve this through digitalization and both technical and commercial innovation.
- Our business is built around unique products and processes or a unique industry position. That gives us long-term competitive advantages.
Core values
Customer first
Our goal is to create value and contribute to solutions for our customers
Innovative solutions
Our subsidiaries are know-how leaders in their lines of business
We have the ambition to become best-in-class in our main processes
We continuously seek and develop new business opportunities
Committed employees
We focus on well-being, motivation, and creativity
We give all employees the opportunity to fulfil their potential
Sustainable business
We run our businesses in a responsible, long-term, and sustainable manner
Effective risk management
Our renewal is based on financial strength and well-balanced risks
Vision
We are a family-owned growth company that conducts our operations in a responsible, long-term, and sustainable manner