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Founded in 2004 in Ilomantsi, Arskan Kone Oy was born from a desire to provide reliable and versatile services for heavy equipment. Entrepreneurs Ari and Sari Haapalainen built the company on the principle that high-quality workmanship and customer-oriented service always go hand in hand. Over the years, the family business has grown into a multi-industry player and a respected employer, keeping machines running and worksites operational across Finland.
Quality, versatility, and partnerships
Arskan Kone Oy services and equips heavy vehicles, performs structural modifications and upgrades, and offers excavation, towing, and crane services. In addition, the company provides maintenance and repair services for passenger cars and light vehicles, along with comprehensive tire services.
The company’s strength lies in its skilled personnel, extensive expertise, and long-term customer and partner relationships. With clients operating across Finland, every job completed serves as a business card—where quality speaks for itself.
In Ilomantsi, the company's services have become well-established, and its customer base has expanded throughout North Karelia. In heavy vehicle maintenance, Arskan Kone is increasingly serving customers nationwide.
The company collaborates closely with Ponsse, with the maintenance and repair of Ponsse’s used forestry machines being a core part of its service offering. In addition, subcontracting for power companies—including underground cabling and pole installations—has grown into a significant business area. Arskan Kone also handles snow removal services for the municipality of Ilomantsi and operates at Endomines’ Pampalo gold mine.
- We provide our customers with comprehensive service. Every job is completed with care, always keeping the customer’s needs at the forefront, say entrepreneurs Ari and Sari Haapalainen.
- Trust is the foundation of long-term collaboration. When a customer knows that the work will be done as agreed and to a high standard, they come back to us —and that is what matters most to us, summarizes Riikka Haapalainen.
Jobs and community spirit in Ilomantsi
Arskan Kone is one of the largest private employers in Ilomantsi, with approximately 30 employees who quite literally keep the wheels turning. Providing jobs and supporting local vitality are core values for the company—not just as an employer, but also as a driving force in regional development.
- Every employee plays a key role. We don’t have separate supervisors; instead, employees take responsibility for their own areas of expertise. This fosters trust, encourages self-direction, and strengthens professional skills. We have top professionals, and their expertise is reflected in the high-quality results we deliver to our customers, says Ari.
A long career at Arskan Kone is not uncommon. A positive work environment and a culture of appreciation lead to strong employee commitment—many team members have been with the company for 20 years.
- We value our employees and their contributions to our success, and we acknowledge them at different stages of their careers. We reward employees for ten or more years of service, says Riikka.
This sense of community extends to employees’ families as well.
- We organize events where employees’ families are invited. Many young machine enthusiasts have discovered their passion for heavy equipment right here—perhaps they will become the future experts in this field. For many children, Ari is already a real idol when he’s around the big machines, Riikka shares.
Sustainable growth and continuity through collaboration
Arskan Kone is building its future with careful planning. In 2023, the company's turnover reached 5.36 million euros, marking an 8.6% increase from the previous year.
- Our primary goal is not to expand the business but to refine and strategically develop our services. We want to ensure that our operations are efficient and evolving in the right direction. Every step forward benefits our customers and strengthens our long-term sustainability, summarizes Ari.
The Haapalainen family of entrepreneurs: Sari and Ari in the back, Riikka and Joni in the front.
Photo: Mari Voutilainen.
A generational transition is being carefully planned, with Riikka and Joni Haapalainen as shareholders actively involved in business development.
- The company's future is on solid ground, and they have excellent conditions to take the business forward, says Ari.
The Haapalainen family also acknowledges the valuable network supporting the company, including local businesses, the Municipality of Ilomantsi, and Business Joensuu. Mayor Marjut Ahokas and Business Joensuu’s business specialist Timo Hartikainen have visited the company to learn about its operations and discuss development needs.
- We appreciate that the municipality, together with Business Joensuu, is genuinely committed to supporting local businesses and their growth. This collaboration benefits not just us but the entire Ilomantsi region, says Ari.
Business Joensuu has been an important support for the company in recruitment, the preparation of development projects, and funding applications.
- We have made extensive use of Business Joensuu's services and highly recommend them to other companies. Preparing development projects can be challenging, but with the right support, the process becomes much smoother, adds Riikka.
Personalized support and active engagement have made the collaboration truly valuable.
- Timo Hartikainen is always ready to help and stays in close contact with us. It makes a huge difference when someone doesn’t just give remote advice but actually comes on-site, listens, and discusses things face-to-face. That makes the collaboration genuinely meaningful, praises Sari.
Text: Tanja Immonen, Business Joensuu
Photos: Arskan Kone Oy and Mari Voutilainen
For more information and to explore services:
Ari Haapalainen, +358 500 273 422, ari@arskankoneoy.fi
www.arskankoneoy.fi
