From a small workshop in Porvoo to part of an international group

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