Finnchain also employs subcontractors – “Quality and reliability are paramount”

Finnchain relies on trustworthy and high-quality subcontractors to support its operations. Close collaboration, precise scheduling, and flexible deliveries play a vital role in the company’s daily purchasing activities.

“We try to keep only a small stock. Almost all steel parts are purchased on a project basis. The goal is that the purchased parts go into assembly within a couple of weeks,” says Project Coordinator Olli Pirkkanen.

Finnchain regularly uses around half a dozen subcontractors and occasionally others as well.

“When negotiating with subcontractors, I value adherence to delivery times. But quality is the number one priority. Reliability is also very important. For example, subcontractors have molds that are Finnchain’s property,” says buyer Jussi Parantainen.

The buyer’s daily work emphasizes precise scheduling and real-time monitoring. It is essential that cooperation within the company also runs smoothly. It helps that Parantainen has a concrete understanding of the company's products, as he has a background in production.

Plastic parts are delivered to Finnchain from subcontractors almost weekly, while for instance fiberglass products are purchased about four times a year.

According to Finnchain’s Buyer Jussi Parantainen, subcontractors are evaluated annually in line with the company’s quality system, as quality is a key value for Finnchain.

Quality and scheduling at the core of procurement

Project coordinator Olli Pirkkanen purchases goods from subcontractors according to Finnchain's current needs.

"We try to keep a small warehouse. We purchase almost all steel parts on a project-by-project basis. The goal is for the purchased parts to be assembled within a couple of weeks," says Pirkkanen.

He is in contact with the Rauma-based metal company almost daily.

"It's really convenient to have a skilled partner just a few hundred meters away. The service works well. It's easy to pop in and check if there's a small problem or if you have any questions. Delivery times are really flexible. The part we need can be brought to us in a few minutes at best," says Pirkkanen.

The company has not become a regular supplier solely because of its proximity. According to Pirkkasen, the quality is good and the prices are reasonable.

"We hold regular meetings with our subcontractors. In accordance with our quality system, subcontractors are evaluated every year. This fall, we will conduct on-site audits," says Parantainen.

"We are constantly striving to develop our operations. We also see a lot of opportunities to move forward with good subcontractors in our purchasing," says Pirkkanen.