Pemamek, a family-owned business based in Loimaa, has been named Family Business of the Year 2025. Pemamek’s strong revenue growth over the past two years, from 60 million to 153 million, was a major factor in the selection. The award was presented at the Family Business Association’s fall meeting in Helsinki on Thursday, November 27.
Pemamek has grown rapidly in recent years: the company’s revenue has risen from just over 60 million euros to more than 153 million euros in two years. This growth is the result of long-term development, investment in technological expertise, and strong customer demand in international markets. At the same time, Pemamek has remained firmly rooted in its home town of Loimaa, where its headquarters and production facilities are located. The company is also a major regional employer and a driver of economic vitality. Pemamek employs over 400 people, the majority of whom are based in Finland.
“Pemamek is an excellent example of a company that is making its mark on the global stage while also fulfilling its responsibilities at home. It demonstrates in concrete terms how domestic ownership can be a driver of sustainable growth and impact,” said Miia Porkkala, chair of the award jury, commenting on the selection.
Lauri Heikonen, Mirkka Hirvonen, and Jaakko Heikonen, the second-generation owners of Pemamek, at the company’s headquarters in Loimaa. Photo: Niko Raappana
Pekka Heikonen, a first-generation entrepreneur and owner who acquired Pemamek in 1989. Photo: Niko Raappana
From a domestic engineering firm to an international leader
Founded in Loimaa in 1970, Pemamek has grown from a domestic engineering workshop into an internationally renowned pioneer in industrial automation. The company’s welding and production automation solutions are used in heavy industry around the world, and its exports reach every continent.
The Pemamek family of owners is committed to long-term development and decision-making. Ownership has been systematically developed, and generational transitions have been carried out proactively and in a planned manner. The company’s values—long-term perspective, domestic focus, and the development of expertise—guide all key decisions, from investments to internationalization.
“Being named Family Business of the Year 2025 is an honor for our entire staff and our owner family. It shows that a Finnish family business can succeed internationally while maintaining its roots in Finland. Long-term development, nurturing expertise, and responsible decision-making in our home country are core values for us. It’s wonderful that this is also being recognized more broadly. “This encourages us to continue our growth and impact both domestically and globally,” commented Jaakko Heikonen, Pemamek’s owner and Vice Chairman of the Board.
Background on the award
The award, presented by the Family Business Association and named after the association’s founder, Peter Fazer, was first presented in 2004. The award aims to highlight successful Finnish family businesses and their owners who have achieved success, successfully completed a generational transition, and are making long-term investments in the future.
In previous years, the following Finnish family businesses have received the award:
Berner Ltd (2004), Leinovalu Ltd (2005), Ahlstrom Corporation (2006), Tasowheel Ltd (2007), Aho Group Ltd (2008), Paulig Ltd (2009), Kiilto Family Ltd (2010), Harvia Oy (2011), Teknos Oy (2012), Woikoski Oy (2013), Kemppi Group Oy (2014), Broman Group Oy (2015), KWH-yhtymä Oy (2016), Ponsse Oyj (2017), Kone Oyj (2018), Polttimo Oy (2019), Mantsinen Group (2020), Lindström Oy (2021), Vaisala Oyj (2022), MSK Group (2023), and Otava (2024).
