The Beginning
In 1975 Makron Oy was established by well-known Finnish entrepreneur Jalo Paananen. From the start, there were no industry limits – Makron didn’t turn down anyone who asked for production machinery.
In 1975–1990 Makron developed its machinery technologies for manufacturing sports equipment (cross-country skis and hockey sticks), polyurethane refrigeration panels, prefabricated houses, log houses and recycled cellulose insulation. The technologies were developed in close collaboration with Finnish customers and exported to Russia, North America, the Nordics and Europe.
The Era of Bilateral Trade with The USSR
The era of bilateral trade between Finland and the Soviet Union was prosperous for Makron in 1980–1990. There was a strong market for all developed technologies in the east. Contract manufacturing for Finnish machinery technology companies like Valmet and Acotec was also started at the time. The USSR collapsed in 1990 and the beginning of the 90’s was a difficult time for Makron as well as for many Finnish companies.
The Entrepreneurship Continues
Pekka Leppänen, a former CEO of machinery company Raute, had successfully made a turnaround for the company business to balance the business from the USSR focus to the west by expanding the business in North America. Jalo wanted to focus on his other businesses and he was certain that he had found the right person to make the same turnaround for Makron.
In 1999 Pekka Leppänen acquires Makron’s machinery manufacturing business and the Makron name. Machinery production factory in Estonia is launched. Makron continues to work as a contract manufacturer for Finnish project houses like Metso Panelboard, Valmet, Sandvik, Elematic and Makron Engineering.
Makron’s Growth Leap
In 2003, Pekka Leppänen was contacted by an Austrian listed machinery company, Andritz. Andritz wanted to sell its machinery production business in Hollola in order to focus on their core business. At the time, Andritz Hollola factory business was twice the size of Makron. In those days, it was a trend that many companies were transferring their production to Asia. Pekka however, didn’t say no to the challenge or the risk – in 2004 Makron acquired the production facility in Hollola and Makron’s turnover grew by 15 MEUR.
Building Know-How to Support the Heavy Machinery Fabrication
After the big growth leap, it was evident, based on customer input, that Makron needed to develop intelligent services to support the machinery production. Makron builds mechanical engineering, industrial automation, and installation and maintenance know-how. In 2006–2013 the know-how is established by acquiring automation company Elmont Oy, engineering and design company Mekateam Oy and co-owning the installations company Solmex Oy.
Makron Technologies Were Reacquired by The Makron Family
In 2014 Makron purchased Makron Engineering technologies and business. The log house, prefabricated house, cellulose insulation, and polyurethane refrigeration panel machinery technologies went back home to the original Makron family.
One Makron 'A Promise to Complete' Brand Is Launched
In 2016 the A Promise to Complete brand is defined and one Makron building starts to simplify the company’s offering for customers and to bring the Makron professionals tighter together to complement each other.
Strong focus on contract manufacturing, automation, and mechanical engineering services
In 2020 Makron sells its log house production technologies and focuses on its core business. Hollola factory closes at the end of 2020. Makron focuses on industrial automation, engineering, and lighter, more automized machine manufacturing in Estonia. Makron also manufactures electrical control cabinets in Lahti.
In addition to Lahti and Savonlinna, Makron opens offices in Espoo and Mikkeli.