The Alihankinta Subcontracting Fair is Finland’s most important industrial event and an annual meeting point for professionals across the manufacturing sector.
Pimatic has been part of the fair since 2022, and in just a few years, it has become an essential event for the company’s sales, purchasing, and public relations. Sales Director Mikko Ruostejoki shares how the 2025 fair looked through Pimatic’s eyes and what performing under pressure truly means to the team.
Busy Days and Great Energy
The Tampere Exhibition and Sports Centre was buzzing from 30 September to 2 October, as the Subcontracting Fair brought together more than 25,000 industry professionals and visitors. There was no shortage of activity during the three-day event.
What were your main impressions of this year’s fair?
The stand was busy almost non-stop. We had slightly fewer visitors overall than last year, but there were still moments when all five of us were fully engaged at once. That demonstrates the significant interest in Pimatic. Luckily, we work well under pressure, and a bit of rush only motivates us to give our best.
In general, the Subcontracting Fair has developed year after year. It uniquely brings together customers, suppliers, and partners from across the Finnish industrial sector, and Pimatic intends to remain a part of this top-tier event for years to come.
A Strong Team and a Versatile Product Range
Pimatic’s presence at the Subcontracting Fair was once again a joint effort involving not only sales but also many other departments. The range of products on display was broad, and the variety sparked plenty of hands-on discussions – something trade fair visitors truly appreciate.
Who represented Pimatic this year?
Our stand was staffed by five members of the sales team, including myself. Additionally, our CEO, purchasing team, and representatives from finance and operations attended the event. Working together on site allowed us to reach a broad audience and strengthen relationships across our network.
What products did you showcase?
Our display was extensive. Visitors could see a telescopic cylinder, a trimmer cylinder for sawmills, solutions for the paper industry, control valves for mobile equipment tipping, and a compressor control manifold. We wanted to demonstrate the breadth of our expertise, including our capability to manufacture customised products that aren’t part of our standard catalogue. Many visitors were pleasantly surprised by the versatility of our offering.
Familiar Faces and New Connections
The social side of the fair is always one of its highlights. Over three days, the Pimatic stand welcomed both long-term partners and numerous new contacts who stopped by spontaneously. Networking is one of the fair’s greatest values; the relationships formed here can grow into future collaborations.
Did you meet many familiar visitors?
Yes, we met a lot of people we already knew. It has become a tradition to catch up with our regular customers, share news, and of course offer them some Pimatic candy.
One of the best aspects of the Subcontracting Fair is meeting face-to-face with people we typically only communicate with by phone or email. These personal encounters don’t always require formal appointments; often, it’s enough to say, “See you at the fair”, and it happens naturally.
Were there also scheduled meetings?
Yes, we had several planned meetings, including lunch sessions and quarterly discussions. The fair provides a perfect setting for that. When everyone is under the same roof, meetings are easy to arrange and productive.
Concrete Results and Follow-Up Work
The real value of a trade fair often shows afterwards. Once the event ends, the work continues as new conversations turn into follow-up calls, offers, and projects.
What kind of follow-up work came out of the fair?
Well, a magician never reveals all his tricks, but there’s definitely work to be done! We opened new discussions and established promising connections that will continue after the fair. We’re also updating existing contracts and customer orders based on the meetings held.
A particularly positive observation was the number of engineering students who came to inquire about Pimatic as a potential employer. Their interest shows that we are seen as an attractive workplace, which makes us proud of the culture we’ve built.
A Prime Stand Location
Pimatic’s stand was located in Hall A, a central and easily accessible spot at the Subcontracting Fair. The space, secured during the post-pandemic years, fits Pimatic perfectly, like a pneumatic control cylinder in a paper machine.
How did the stand work in practice, and what kind of feedback did you receive?
We received a lot of positive feedback about our location. Visitors found us easily. People also appreciated how clean and well-presented our stand was, and we believe the fair’s own inspectors viewed it as a high-quality setup as well.
Any ideas for improvement for next year?
As mentioned, our stand performed exceptionally well and garnered a lot of positive feedback. One small idea for improvement concerns the placement of the logos, which were occasionally hidden during the busiest moments. Not perfect, but still very close!
Looking Ahead to Future Events
The schedule for next year already includes several events, and two major ones are confirmed.
What’s next on the agenda?
Next year we’ll be back at the Alihankinta Subcontracting Fair 2026, which remains a key event for Pimatic. We’ll also participate in IAA Transportation 2026 in Germany, one of the largest industrial exhibitions in Europe and a significant milestone for our company.
Sales Director’s Summary of the Alihankinta 2025
It was a fantastic event. Customers were engaged, students were curious, and the overall atmosphere was genuinely positive. Despite global uncertainties, there was a clear sense of confidence and optimism at the fair. Perhaps constant uncertainty has become the “new normal” – but as always, Pimatic delivers its best results under pressure.
Thank You to All Visitors!
Pimatic warmly thanks everyone who stopped by our stand to chat, ask questions, or grab some sweets. See you again in Tampere in 2026!