Vexve Oy is one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-quality valves, suitable for the most demanding district heating and cooling applications, and its business scope has been expanded. A major investment in Russia’s new production facilities and its product development capabilities will further enhance the company’s position in the global market. Romana Mores reports.
Headquartered in Sasta Mara, Finland, Vexve is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality valves, specifically developed for district heating and district cooling applications. The company was founded in 1960, and its products are produced in operating plants in Sastamala and Laitila and exported to more than 30 countries every year. Vexve is known for high-quality products, fast delivery and excellent customer service, as well as expertise in energy and environment.
Vexve’s products are sold under three brands-Vexve, Naval and Hydrox-which together create a comprehensive and unparalleled product. The complete product range covers everything from ball valves and butterfly valves to manual gears and electric and hydraulic actuators, as well as customized special solutions such as extension shafts.
With the growth of international sales, the company opened a new factory in St. Petersburg in 2018. The production plant produces welded and flanged steel ball valves to better meet the needs of local customers and accelerate market growth. “Vexve has a long tradition in the Russian market, and we are very happy to also serve our long-term customers through local manufacturing,” said Jussi Vanhanen.
The company’s research and development capabilities give it a clear competitive advantage. In the past few years, Vexve has launched several transformative products, including HydroX™ hydraulic control solutions, which represent one of the most advanced products of its kind on the market, and the recently launched Vexve for the HVAC market X.
“Vexve X was launched in October 2018 and is the first complete series of shut-off and balance valves on the market, with integrated compression connections made of carbon steel and acid-resistant steel,” Mr. Vanhanen said. “The distinctive feature is its integrated press fit. Previously, the connection was welded, threaded or flanged, so now we have introduced a fourth option-a new technology that is increasingly in demand.”
The X-series valves are designed to optimally close and adjust the heating and cooling networks of buildings. The integrated press fit reduces the number of required parts and work steps, and reduces the risk of leakage, because the number of joints is reduced compared to traditional solutions. “In the first phase, we will launch the product for the Finnish market, and the second phase will follow the international market,” Mr. Vanhanen said.
In the past two years, Vexve has also spent a lot of effort on so-called “smart valves”. Smart valve solutions now provide tools for optimizing the network, improving reliability, and enhancing maintenance. It can detect constantly changing network conditions in real time, so that network control can be optimized and adjusted through accurate measurement data. “This is a very important project for us. I am proud to say that in 2018, the world’s first underground smart valve was successfully piloted in Fortum’s district heating network in Espoo, Finland,” said Mr. Vanhanen .
He further confirmed that the company has seen positive development in its geographic market. “We have had a positive year in Europe, the economy has generally improved, and the willingness to invest has increased. We see growing demand in North America and will support sales in Russia. Our service center in Beijing has also done a good job to support us Of customers install actuators and provide technical support for the Chinese market, and more and more retrofit projects have been supported by the Chinese government.”
In a generally favorable market environment, does the company face challenges? “Well, the evolving market does show a new feature, although I don’t necessarily call it a challenge. After a period of time to gradually harmonize requirements and regulations on a global scale, we see some signs that this trend may be reversed. , The new demand for local products that meet local regulations. This is a slow development and does not pose an imminent threat, but needs to be considered. In the future, we must be able to adapt to local regulatory requirements. By the way, this is where we are What Russia did—open a facility that only serves the local market,” Mr. Vanhanen said.
He said that internally, the company will continue to focus on first-class products and higher levels of production automation. “We believe in product development. This year, R&D investment is 5 times higher than in 2017, and this field will remain our focus.”
This dedication has paid off. A customer satisfaction survey conducted by Vexve a year ago yielded excellent results, confirming that Vexve is world-renowned for its first-class product quality. “The feedback is overwhelming and shows that we have chosen the right way forward. Ensuring that our customers maintain such a high level of satisfaction is a major commitment, and we intend to continue to meet this commitment in the future,” Mr. Vanhanen concluded.
Post time: Nov-19-2021
