Efficiency and sustainability are driving the modern manufacturing landscape, and Ponsse’s choice of surface treatment reflects just that. By using Teknos’ direct-to-metal (DTM) coatings, Ponsse has streamlined its production line significantly.
In the heavy machinery industry, a manufacturer's reputation is only as durable as its weakest component. For Finnish forestry giant Ponsse Plc, ensuring their world-leading harvesters and forwarders can withstand environments ranging from the freezing Arctic to humid tropical rainforests
comes down to a fundamental element: the paint.
Since the 1970s, the Vieremä-based, family-owned company has relied on industrial coatings specialist Teknos to protect its fleet from extreme mechanical stress and high atmospheric corrosivity.
“Teknos' direct-to-metal products are by far the best in the industry. We've tested everything that's available in the market and the quality of Teknos' coatings really is exceptional. They're easy to apply, finish looks great, and the mechanical durability and corrosion resistance are superb. And they retain the gloss really well too,” Hannu Tarvaine, Surface Treatment Specialist ad Teknos.
To meet the rigorous C4 corrosivity category standard required for heavy-duty forestry work, Ponsse treats its subframes with TEKNODUR COMBI 340 at a thickness of 150 μm, while sheet metal components receive an advanced two-stage powder coating. The switch to the COMBI 340 system has also allowed Ponsse to drastically reduce its Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, clearing the path for increased production without environmental penalties.
The partnership extends far beyond the walls of Ponsse’s main facility. Ponsse relies on a network of roughly 20 painting subcontractors to prepare components before final assembly. To ensure uniformity and quality across the board, Teknos acts as a technical partner, providing regular training and updates both on-site and at its dedicated training centre.
“Switching to TEKNODUR COMBI 340 a few years ago allowed us to cut our VOC emissions dramatically. Now we can ramp up our production without being limited by VOC emissions. We have also done a lot of collaboration with Teknos on developing our powder coating process, and the results have been great,” has added Hannu Tarvaine.
“Teknos is our long-term partner, supporting us in our daily operations. Teknos' team is always there to help if there are any issues with coatings. I'm actually very rarely in contact with them, since as a quality manager I only hear about the biggest problems, and with Teknos, everything has run great!” has added Tuomas Pasma, Senior Manager, Quality & Sustainability, Ponsse.
“Subcontractors are very important for both Ponsse and Teknos. We can't have any irregularities or delays that impact production. The whole supply chain has to operate smoothly. We want to be more than just salespeople for the customer. Our aim is to be a technical partner that can help in every aspect of operations. The collaboration with Ponsse has been great, and it's a pleasure to work with a team of such knowledgeable professionals,” has noted Jan Åkerlund, Key Account Manager, Teknos.
"If you sell coatings, you' also have to know how to paint and actually use the equipment. Forget about coming around here to just sell some paint and tell us that someone else will do the user training in two weeks. The best part about working with Teknos is that not only are they experts on using their own products, but also the customer is never left alone. They always keep their promises, and we do everything together to make the process work. They don't just sell paint and promise training weeks later. They know the equipment, they know the application, and they always keep their promises,” has concluded Hannu Tarvaine.