When Alukrom was founded 60 years ago, occupational safety and environmental protection were rarely prioritized. However, a commitment to quality was embedded in our operations from the start, a tradition that has only grown stronger over the decades. This enduring focus on quality is evident in the stories of long-time FSP members Tor Koskinen, Kyösti Koskinen, and Mari Rajamäki.
In the early 1990s, Alukrom’s project manager Tor Koskinen and his team were responsible for surface treatment at Neste Oil’s oil terminal in Muuga, Estonia. “There was no surface treatment expertise in the country at that time,” recalls Koskinen. The terminal manager entrusted them with finding the best solution, and their meticulous work exceeded all expectations. The green tanks, with their black valve covers, mirrored the quality seen at Neste’s Finnish sites.
Throughout different decades, work environments and methods varied, but the commitment to quality remained constant. “The key is always to choose the right method for sandblasting and the right paint combination,” says Tor. “Quality is ensured by doing the work correctly and having each phase checked by multiple eyes.”
In the 1960s and 70s, quality was mostly assessed visually. Over time, mechanical and electronic gauges were introduced, and thorough checks became standard practice. Today, customer and supplier oversight ensures every detail meets stringent standards.
Occupational safety has also evolved dramatically. Tor recalls the Wild West-like conditions at the Vuosaari shipyard in the 1970s. The work was dangerous and physically demanding, but it shaped the resilient culture at FSP. Nowadays, personal protective equipment is mandatory, and safer, more environmentally friendly materials are used.
Koskinen has worked in extreme conditions, from the gates of the Saimaa Canal in freezing temperatures to managing projects at the Hietalahti shipyard. The introduction of electronic starting in sandblasting and the use of full face masks and headlamps were significant improvements over the years.
Leadership at FSP has never been hierarchical. “I became a foreman because a man was needed everywhere,” says Kyösti. This hands-on approach, where supervisors are deeply familiar with the work, continues to define FSP’s management culture.
FSP now employs over 300 people, and our operations are expanding both in Finland and abroad. HR Director Mari Rajamäki, who has led the human resources function since 2009, emphasizes the importance of versatile skills and continuous competence development. Apprenticeship training plays a crucial role in building expertise.
Our commitment to quality is reflected in various programs like TellUs, Nolla tapaturmaa, and the FSP Way, which integrates safety, quality, and environmental considerations into our daily operations. These initiatives have become part of our company culture, ensuring that we consistently deliver high-quality results.
(NOTE! This article was originally published in the FSP 50th anniversary magazine in 2014.)
As we celebrate 60 years, we are proud of our history and look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence. FSP remains dedicated to quality, safety, and innovation, setting the standard for the industry.
