Heavy equipment specialist Sailmet to create dozens of new jobs in Kitee

Press release by the City of Kitee, 23 September 2025

Sailmet Oy, based in Kirkkonummi, will launch production operations in Kitee at the beginning of next year. Before that, the company will recruit personnel, and it is estimated that around twenty heavy equipment production workers and office staff will be needed.

Founded in 2018, Sailmet is a leading Finnish company in the heavy machinery repair sector. The company specializes in the maintenance and repair of machinery and equipment used particularly in infrastructure construction and ground drilling technology. In addition to its headquarters in Kirkkonummi, Sailmet operates in Oulu, but the Kitee unit will focus on assembling and producing equipment developed in-house.

- We searched for the right location in Finland and chose Kitee because we wanted to ensure the company’s growth by securing access to a skilled workforce. When we also found suitable premises already available here, the decision to invest in Kitee was easy, says Juha Tammela, Chief Operating Officer of Sailmet.

- We will start the recruitment process this autumn. In the first phase, we will hire a capable manager to lead the Kitee operations - ideally an experienced professional returning to their roots after gaining expertise elsewhere.

A clear boost to Kitee’s industrial expertise

- It’s great that Sailmet has chosen Kitee. From the very first discussions with their representatives, we were convinced of the company’s strong expertise and ambition to grow – their track record already speaks for itself. Our Business Development Manager, Risto Hiltunen, did excellent groundwork during the location discussions, and Kesmac Oy, a long-established local company specializing in heavy metalworking, was able to provide Sailmet with excellent facilities. Skilled labor is also widely available now, and I believe that this innovative and growing company will certainly attract many applicants, says Kitee’s Mayor, Pekka Hirvonen.

- This investment by Sailmet not only creates new jobs but also strengthens the entire region’s industrial expertise. With a top player in infrastructure construction now operating here, Riveria Vocational College could even consider relocating its entire construction industry training program to the Kitee area. This is where the land is being moved – and now the machines will also be built for that purpose. It is also a strong sign that our city is an attractive place to invest and build the future.

Further information

Juha Tammela, Chief Operating Officer, Sailmet Oy
juha.tammela@sailmet.fi, tel. +358 40 661 3822

Pekka Hirvonen, Mayor of Kitee
pekka.hirvonen@kitee.fi, tel. +358 40 105 1001

Text and photo:
Rauno Jussila, Communications Manager, City of Kitee