Feteco Oy focuses on Data-Driven Management

Jukka Kurkinen was on the lookout for a final career project after over a decade in international online business and then leading product development at a major engineering firm. In 2021, he found what he was looking for: becoming the entrepreneur behind subcontracting engineering company Feteco Oy. Now, Kurkinen's focus is on profitability, productivity, and expanding the customer base, with Business Joensuu as a key partner.

Feteco Oy specializes in tube bending and sheet metal structures, serving top-tier brands in their respective fields. The mining industry is on the rise, and there are growth opportunities in the defense equipment sector as well.

In 2021, Feteco’s turnover was €2.1 million, and profits were solid. However, the following year saw an increase in revenue, but a sharp drop in profits. According to Kurkinen, this decline was not due to market conditions alone, several other factors were at play.

- There were staff changes in production, and managing operations faced challenges. At the same time, one client’s business grew exceptionally strong in relation to the overall operations. The product mix was challenging to manage, CEO Jukka Kurkinen explains.

One significant issue was the lack of real-time data on the production process. Too much was done manually and based on gut feeling.

- We couldn’t clearly see which products were profitable and which were not. There wasn’t enough data on product structures, materials, work phases, or labor time. The ERP system was underutilized, it was mainly used for entering orders and invoicing.

Extensive Collaboration

"The entrepreneur aims to make Feteco Oy a significant regional player and the best workplace."

It’s not uncommon for a company to become blind to its own operations, sticking to routine without pausing to evaluate what’s working and what isn’t. Jukka Kurkinen was determined to prevent this stagnation and reached out to Business Joensuu.

Kurkinen, a determined and systematic leader, aims to build his final career project based on data. He estimates there’s about 20 years of effective working time left, and during that period, he plans to turn Feteco Oy into a regionally significant player and the best workplace.

In the picture: Jarno Parmonen holding a work tablet and Jukka Kurkinen.

Business Joensuu brought together a dynamic team of experts to support Feteco's growth. Together with Business Specialist Veikko Tahvanainen, Kurkinen created an investment plan aimed at increasing production capacity and advancing production technology. The collaboration with ELY Centre will continue until the end of 2025.

The investment plan is part of a broader growth strategy Kurkinen worked on with Business Coach Mervi Leminen in the GROW2 Growth coaching program. The core of the growth strategy focuses on expanding the customer base, improving production efficiency, and managing finances.

In digital coaching led by Business Coach Marko Soikkeli, Business Joensuu connected Feteco with Tehtaantekijät, a company specializing in business digitalization and the application of new methodologies.

Growth on the Horizon

" Coaching programs are a great way to reflect on things and think about future developments—it’s helpful to brainstorm together.”

Over the past two years, Feteco has acquired additional welding machines, a press brake, a tube bender, and a welding certificate.

- We've now fully utilized our ERP system and have a good understanding of its limits. However, it won’t meet the future needs of production planning. Either we’ll replace the system or implement specialized production planning software.

Feteco’s production facilities are located on Teollisuuskatu in Joensuu. Since 2021, the company has employed nearly 20 professionals at its peak. Last year’s decrease in demand, which led to temporary layoffs and a few permanent dismissals, was attributed to market conditions.

- The current workforce is 13 but achieving our growth targets will require new hires. In recruitment, we’ve already worked closely with Business Joensuu’s Recruitment Services, led by Business Coach Timo Hartikainen.

Kurkinen also plans to continue his professional development next year in Business Joensuu’s LEAD management coaching program.

- Coaching programs are a great way to reflect on things and think about future developments—it’s helpful to brainstorm together.

Text: Sirkka-Liisa Aaltonen/Viestintä Ässä Oy
Photos: Jarno Artika

Further information:

Feteco Oy:
Jukka Kurkinen, CEO
+358 050 480 3660, jukka.kurkinen@feteco.fi

Business Joensuu:
Veikko Tahvanainen, Business Specialist
Investments, development, corporate financing
+358 50 408 8696, veikko.tahvanainen@businessjoensuu.fi

Mervi Leminen, Business Coach
Growth coaching, growth and development
+358 400 196 688, mervi.leminen@businessjoensuu.fi

Marko Soikkeli, Business Coach
ICT, digital, growth and development
+358 40 546 7811, marko.soikkeli@businessjoensuu.fi