Enervent Zehnder has grown from a small entrepreneur-led local company to a respected manufacturer of ventilation systems and part of one of the industry’s leading groups. The leap has been made through a few bounces, but only in a good twenty years. According to Head of Customer Excellence Sonja Häggman, the desire to develop high-quality ventilation technology and a good team spirit have always been at the heart of the company.

At the head office in Porvoo, one naturally shuttles between the offices and the production. Separate personnel passes are not needed because everyone knows each other and guests are noticed, says Sonja Häggman. Her responsibilities include Enervent Zehnder’s marketing and communication, as well as the digitalization and development of the customer experience.

– I came to work for what was then Enervent in 2002. The years have included many products, nice colleagues, many interesting tasks and five different owners. Among other things, we have been part of the technology company Ensto, also a family-owned company. The focus of our operations has remained the same and although my duties have varied, I have always worked in the customer interface.

Like many other new technologies, the developer of the rotating and energy-efficient heat exchanger in Enervent Zehnder’s equipment was an innovative entrepreneur.

– We were once founded by an entrepreneur in the metal industry. Under his leadership, a rotary heat exchanger was adapted specifically for ventilation units in single-family houses. For a long time, we operated like a traditional industrial plant. In recent years, we have invested in ensuring that the entire staff understands the customers’ wishes and common goals in the same way, Sonja says.

A member of Zehnder Group –with a task in the north

The Swiss Zehnder Group bought the business of Enervent Oy in August 2018. The group is one of the largest ventilation companies in Central Europe and is actively growing its business through acquisitions. Enervent Zehnder, operating in Finland, Sweden, and Norway (in Norway under the Exvent brand), represents the expertise of cold climate and ventilation that meets Nordic requirements in the Group.

– The change of owner was well received by us. After the deal was completed, we have been able to continue our operations quite independently, but at the same time we have received the necessary support from the group. Being part of a family business creates a safe working environment for the personnel, and we have been able to offer many interesting new products to customers after the sale.

Those with a keen eye have noticed that the color red has appeared in Enervent Zehnder’s communications.

– During the past summer, we have introduced the “Member of Zehnder Group” badges in our channels. It reminds you that we are part of a larger community. Otherwise, nothing will change – we are still the same familiar manufacturer of high-quality ventilation units suitable for Nordic homes. Zehnder is one of Europe’s largest companies in the field, which invests in both expansion, product development and personnel. It’s easy for us to smile, says Sonja Häggman.

Zehnder Group also has a separate representation in Finland for a few other product groups, such as radiators, towel warmers, ceiling-mounted heating and cooling panels and Clean Air Solutions air purification systems. This fall, the group’s products will be exhibited together for the first time at the Finnbuild fair. Welcome to stand 6d48

Monica Strandell started on 4^th July at Enervent Zehnder as responsible for the company’s finances and HR. Before this, she has worked for a long time in the service of internationally operating airlines.

– In those days, choosing a profession was quite easy. At school, I liked math and geography and I studied at a Swedish-speaking business school. I wanted to combine traveling and work, so the financial administration tasks at the airline were, so to speak, the perfect option. Later, also HR became an area of ​​responsibility. The numbers are important, but the personnel ensures that the goals are achieved.

Monica thanks the good reception at her new employer.

– I have felt welcome in the company from the beginning. Both in Porvoo and in Switzerland, everyone has been friendly and helpful. I started work when the summer holiday season had just started in Finland, and I immediately left for Switzerland to meet Zehnder’s key personnel. It was a great opportunity, because it’s easier to take care of things related to finances and HR when you’ve met the people at the group’s head office in other ways than just through Teams.

According to Monica, the Finnish company is just the right size. It is also possible to see the whole from one’s own tasks. And most importantly, people from different departments quickly get to know each other. He reports to CEO Thomas Söderholm.

Monica did not know Enervent Zehnder and the company’s products before. Instead, she says that building technology has become familiar through a bend a long time ago.

– My father worked in the electrical field and my brother has always been in the HVAC field. They have been united, among other things, by industry humor and of course I have heard professional matters related to the industry in other ways. In other words, ventilation units were not a completely new thing at the start, she says.

In her free time, the sea and the forest are important elements and Monica moves a lot. He also admits to being an avid skier.

The main stage of the 1952 Summer Olympics is one of the most famous buildings in Finland. The stadium, located in a central location in the capital, was completely renovated in 2018–2020. Enervent Zehnder ventilation units were chosen for different parts of the stadium property. In the extensive renovation project, the entire building technology was renewed to meet modern requirements.

The athletics and football stadium was completed near the center of Helsinki for the 1940 Olympic Games awarded to Finland. World War II messed up the plans. Since then, the stadium has hosted the 1952 Summer Olympics, the World Championships in Athletics, the European Championships, and numerous other public events. By the time we entered the 21st century, however, the technology and facilities were already outdated in many respects.

In a major renovation project, the stadium was expanded with a new set of underground facilities. In addition, the grandstand and field area were completely renovated. At the same time, the number of restaurants was also significantly increased. In the 70th anniversary of the home games, the stadium has already seen several large concerts and sports events.

New ventilation solutions in old quarters

The renovation of the Olympic Stadium differed significantly from new construction projects. For example, the building technology is designed for all spaces according to their intended use but respecting the original 1930s architecture. Enervent Zehnder ventilation units can be found in different parts of the stadium after the renovation.

– The stadium property is, of course, special because of its popularity and intended use. In addition to sports facilities and stands, the stadium also houses the Finnish Sports Museum and meeting rooms for rent. After the offer was approved, we checked the suitability of the unit models for the planned premises together with the contractor, says Ronni Laaksonen, who is responsible for sales.

The Finnish family company Are was responsible for the building technology project management. Kai Kellokoski, who was the project manager of the ventilation contract, was satisfied with the cooperation with Enervent Zehnder. The historic property brought challenges, but everything was overcome.

– Ventilation units were adapted to old structures and placed in cramped spaces according to current standards. Installation work was from time to time done in very difficult conditions, which requires solid professionalism from the installers, Kellokoski states.

– Enervent Zehnder’s devices were already familiar, and there were no surprises with them. The devices have a good price-quality ratio and advanced automation. The company also handled all additional requests in an exemplary manner, Kellokoski confirms.

Decentralized equipment solutions are needed for the ventilation of valuable objects

The air flow capacity of the ventilation unit and its location determined the best option for each space. Enervent Zehnder’s units were installed, among other places, in the stadium’s store, conference rooms and emergency rooms.

– A de-centralized ventilation solution is often the only option in a valuable property to be renovated, if ventilation is to be carried out successfully with small ducts. We delivered a total of six different unit models to the stadium. Our own installers were on site to make sure everything went smoothly, says Ronni Laaksonen.

The renovation of the Olympic Stadium has been awarded both the Finlandia Award for Architecture and the Concrete Structure of the Year Award 2020.