Business Site Kurikka – Defense Supplier Day 2025

The first Fortaco Kurikka Supplier Day for suppliers delivering for the defense sector, was held with uplifting and collaborative energy. The day was organised to offer suppliers a chance to network, increase understanding of future needs, strengthen cooperation, and share information and insights of the industry. 

Our goals was to spark inspiration and excitement about the potentials this growing field offers, and also discuss how to move through risks and challenges together. The suppliers working with Fortaco in the defense sector are mostly the same as those who deliver parts to our other vehicle cabin products. The event gathered together partners from Finland and Europe.

One of our end customers, BAE Systems Hägglund, also attended, which brought extra value to the event. Their representative, Emil Berglund, Project Manager, walked us through the Beowulf Story — a story for their amphibious vehicle for military applications, Humanitarian Aid Disaster Relief, fire fighting and rescue operations. Beowulf is built for flexibility, and it has an outstanding pedigree of reliability, durability and high system availability. The needs of the Beowulf cabins are increasingly adapting from a dual-purpose cabin to a defense equipment cabin. BAE also offered great insights into the market situation and the keys and factors enabling success in the industry.  

Organized panel discussion answered to questions related to sourcing, and what is expected from suppliers in terms of defense industry requirements, delivery reliability, product quality, competitive pricing and enablers to these. Fortaco’s Defense Team focused on the end customer’s requirements, the intended use of the product and the requirements it brings, as well as change management. One of the most highlights was the possibility to explore Beowulf, the front and rear cabins — to witness where suppliers’ products are being installed. 

We are grateful for all the visitors who attended, even in a bigger group than we expected. The feedback has been encouraging and highlighted a need to bring together the players within the industry to create strong and resilient cooperation.
 
Special thanks to Jonna Wakeman, Heta Hyvärinen, Arto Aro, Aki Komulainen, Gustav Svärd, Peter Green, and Anna-Maija Ilkka from Team Fortaco. They brought the event to life and people together, offering great hosting.

Let us together strengthen cooperation and innovation and bring forward moving energy to the industry — now and in the future.