From September 30 to October 2, HANZA will be participating in Alihankinta, Finland’s leading industrial subcontracting trade fair. We spoke with Riikka Kokko, Sales Director Finland, who is leading the project, about the preparations, goals, and what she is most looking forward to.
What is your role in relation to Alihankinta?
I am the project manager and responsible for all arrangements related to HANZA’s participation. Together with our Finnish sales team, I define the theme, select the components to be displayed, and ensure we engage customers and visitors through invitations and outreach.
Why is HANZA participating in Alihankinta?
It is the most important event in Finland for the subcontracting industry – the place to meet existing customers, future leads, and partners.
How have you prepared for the fair? Anything new this year?
The theme for 2025 is HANZA is bigger and better in Finland. We have acquired Leden and Milectria this year. Once the necessary regulatory approvals related to Milectria acquisition are completed, we operate eight factories in Finland. We will have a strong presence at the stand with account managers, site managers, our cluster president, and colleagues from Sweden and Estonia.
Leading up to the event, we are sending personal invitations and promoting our participation via LinkedIn.
Which products or solutions will be highlighted?
This year we are showcasing:
- A machined component from Seinäjoki
- Busbars from Oulainen
- PCBAs from Sweden
- A turned and grinded component from Iisalmi
- A surprise item on Wednesday related to the Milectria factory
Who are you hoping to connect with, and what results have you seen from previous years?
We have a strong customer base in Finland, and I look forward to meeting our long-standing partners and customers. Reconnecting with them is always the most valuable outcome, and in previous years we have also gained new customers through the fair.
What insights do you hope to gain?
A sense of where the market is today – and where it’s heading.
What are you looking forward to most?
I have attended many times and built strong relationships with people from various companies. It is always a pleasure to meet them again.
Any memorable experiences from previous years?
Many! It is truly the highlight of the year.
Photo with Riikka Kokko in HANZA’s stand at Alihankinta 2024.