Mapei, founded in Milan in 1937, is a family-owned global leader in chemical products for the construction industry. With operations in over 50 countries, the company combines innovation with a strong commitment to sustainability and responsiveness to local market needs.
In Finland, Mapei is accelerating its growth with a major investment in Tuusula, in the Helsinki Ring of Industry region. According to Mika Liikonen, General Manager of Mapei Finland, the new facility is a strategic move to support the company’s expanding operations and better serve the Finnish market.
Global R&D Supporting Local Needs
Although Finland does not host its own R&D laboratory, Mapei Finland benefits from close collaboration with the company’s units in Norway and Italy. Approximately 70% of product development for the Nordic market is handled in Norway, with the remaining 30% in Italy. This setup allows Mapei to tailor its solutions to meet specific local requirements, such as Finland’s stringent emissions standards.
Mapei’s global R&D network includes 39 research centers in 22 countries, coordinated by the Corporate Research Centre in Milan.
“Innovation and product development are part of our DNA,” Liikonen explains. “We invest around 5% of our global revenue in R&D, and that’s a significant amount when your turnover is €4.4 billion.” He adds that Finnish product managers play a key role in communicating market needs to the development teams abroad, ensuring that solutions are aligned with local regulations and expectations.
Tuusula – A Strategic Investment for Growth
The new Tuusula facility replaces Mapei’s previous premises in Espoo, which had become too small to support the company’s growth. The new site brings together logistics, sales, and support functions under one roof, significantly improving operational efficiency.
“We had outgrown our previous 500 m² space,” says Liikonen. “Now, with everything under one roof, we’re much more efficient.” He also highlights the role of the municipality in facilitating the investment: “Tuusula was very proactive. They tailored a plot for us and made the process smooth. It was clear they wanted companies to succeed here.”
Plant Manager Juha-Matti Myssylä adds that the new facility was designed with employee well-being in mind. “We involved our staff in the planning process to ensure the new premises are safe and functional. That has made a big difference.”
The site also reflects Mapei’s long-term commitment to sustainability. The facility is designed to support more efficient logistics and future local production and laboratory, aligning with the company’s global environmental goals.
Local Production Strengthens Market Presence
Starting in early 2026, Mapei will begin local production of chemical additives for the concrete and precast industry. These products are logistically sensitive and relatively low in value, making local manufacturing a more cost-effective solution.
“These products are difficult to transport from Norway due to their volume and value,” Myssylä explains. “Local production makes much more sense, and now we have the space and infrastructure to support it.”
The company has worked closely with local authorities to prepare for production. “The cooperation with the fire department and Regional State Administrative Agency has been excellent,” Myssylä says. “We’ve received valuable feedback early on, which helps us ensure everything is done right from the start.”
Skilled Workforce Drives Success
Access to skilled labor has been a key factor in Mapei’s success in Finland. The company has been able to recruit top talent, particularly in product management and technical roles.
“Having the best people in-house is the key to our success,” Liikonen notes. “We’ve had a strong pull in the job market and have been lucky to find great resources.” While the working language is primarily Finnish, Mapei benefits from being part of a global organization, with support and expertise flowing across borders.
At present, there are no major training or recruitment challenges, but the company remains open to future collaboration with local educational institutions as it continues to grow. Mapei also supports internal training through its own academy model, ensuring that employees are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
Looking Ahead
Mapei Finland now operates in six business units, with recent expansions in flooring systems and concrete additives. While the company holds a strong position in tiling products, other segments offer significant growth potential. The Tuusula site is designed to support continued growth, with room for future development.
“We’ve built this site with expansion in mind,” Myssylä says. “There’s space for another building if needed.”
Mapei’s investment in Tuusula is a testament to the Helsinki Ring of Industry region’s attractiveness for international business. With strong local expertise, excellent infrastructure, and a supportive community, Tuusula offers a compelling environment for sustainable growth and innovation.
Mapei
Mapei is now among the world’s leading manufacturers of chemical products for the building industry. With operations in over 50 countries, the company combines innovation with a strong commitment to sustainability and responsiveness to local market needs. In Finland, Mapei is accelerating its growth with a major investment in Tuusula.
