OSTP Finland Oy Ab, formerly known as JA-RO, began its journey in a basement room on Rådhusgatan in Jakobstad in 1949. The company was founded by Alex Sundqvist, Anders Willman and Karl Willman, with the aim of creating a small or medium-sized business to support their families. The first products included stainless steel coffee pots and sinks, and the company quickly developed into one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of stainless-steel pipe products.
Over the years, the company has strengthened its position through strategic investments and international exports. In the 1980s, OSTP focused exclusively on the production of stainless steel pipes and fittings, supplying products to nuclear power plants as well as the pulp and paper industries in some 30 countries. The company’s ability to provide high-quality solutions and complete system installations has made OSTP a trusted partner in the industry.
With 75 years of experience, OSTP has built a strong belief in the future through innovation and investment in automation and modern technology. The company’s current owners are building on this strong foundation, with significant investments moving OSTP towards a digitalized and sustainable future. The goal is to remain a global leader in the sustainable use of stainless steel.
Strategic decisions for the future
In 2023, the company set a target to be 50% more efficient within five years. “The strategy for this encompasses everything from individual production processes to leadership and employeeship. It concerns the whole company and we see that, with focus on the right things, the goal is achievable”, says Thomas Pettersson, CEO of OSTP in Jakobstad.
The company is continuously making strategic investments to become more cost-effective and optimize operations. Among other things, OSTP bought up the properties on the neighboring site, giving OSTP over 6,000 square meters of new production space to grow. The purchase supports the company’s long-term strategy and opens up opportunities for optimizing production and logistics.
At the same time, OSTP robotized existing lines and invested in a new production line for larger butt weld fittings, strengthening the company’s position as a leading manufacturer of butt weld fittings in Europe.
Sustainability is a key part of OSTP’s strategy and involves more than just reducing emissions. For the company, sustainability is also about creating long-term solutions throughout its operations. “We work to ensure sustainable production, efficient use of resources, and to build a work environment that promotes both the development and well-being of our employees,” says Pettersson. “By continuously investing in innovative solutions and sustainable processes, we can contribute to a positive impact on the world around us.”
OSTP is running a comprehensive digitalization and automation project to modernize its operations and increase both efficiency and sustainability. The project aims to improve information flows and use data in a way that develops the company’s processes. ‘Our focus is on digitizing and optimizing ways of working and creating a work environment where our staff can grow and work safely and securely,’ Pettersson comments.
Employees and sustainability are the keys to OSTP’s continued success
Although the company has gone through many phases in its long history, including some challenging times, OSTP has a strong conviction that it will continue to operate in the same place even 75 years from now. OSTP’s strong values permeate every aspect of its business, and sustainability is one of the most important. Stainless steel is a 100% recyclable material that can be used for decades, and it will continue to play a central role in many industries.
As a model of responsibility and sustainable development, OSTP already boasts the world’s ‘greenest’ pipe mill and offers the lowest carbon footprint of its products, designed for a sustainable future.
“A long history is built through daily actions and choices. Our journey has been shaped by the strong community and commitment of everyone here. As our gatekeeper, who has been part of the house for over 50 years, always says: ‘We do it together!” concludes Pettersson.