The concrete division of the Finnish Construction Products Industry (RTT) has been determined to move concrete issues forward, as evidenced, for example, by the low-carbon classification of concrete worked on with the Concrete Association. Lipa-Beton CEO Satu Lipsanen also sees it as important that the voices of SMEs are heard in advocacy.
Lipa-Betoni Oy is a family business founded in 1976 that supplies wall elements for residential, commercial and industrial construction needs. The Lipa-Betoni Group also includes Rakennusliike U. Lipsanen Oy, which focuses on contracting, Rakennus Oy Antti J. Ahola, which specializes in repair and renovation construction, and Moduls Oy, which focuses on building services.
CEO of Lipa-Beton Satu Lipsanen has been involved for a long time not only in the board of the Finnish Construction Products Industry (RTT) but also in the board of the Finnish Concrete Industry and the TES negotiation group for the concrete products industry.
"Positions of trust are a good channel to stay informed and on top of what new things are coming up in the industry. At the moment, there are a lot of issues, especially related to EU regulations," Lipsanen says.
Lipsanen has also found it interesting to be involved in the TES negotiation group. “I speak for the SME sector myself and I have felt that my voice has been well heard. SMEs often have very different issues that affect their operations compared to large companies. It is good to bring an understanding of these issues to the fore, as the views of SMEs are also needed.”
Concrete construction moved forward together towards low carbon
The low-carbon concrete classification is a national method for reducing emissions from concrete, which aims to create a brand-independent, uniform way for the industry to describe different low-carbon concrete grades.
"A certain image of concrete has been created over time through collaboration. The low-carbon classification has been a big deal for the entire industry," Lipsanen says.
"It is important to move the industry forward and also send a message to Finnish decision-makers regarding concrete construction."
Lipa-Betoni is introducing Carbonaide technology at its Naarajärvi factory in South Savo, which enables the permanent storage of carbon dioxide in concrete elements. The technology reduces the carbon footprint of production by up to 60 percent.
“In addition to moving things forward together, it is meaningful to see in which direction the industry as a whole is heading.”
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Satu Lipsanen is already the third generation in the family business. He has been CEO since 2009. There are many things that Lipa-Beton wants to maintain as a member of the RTT concrete division.
"I've received a lot of help and information on personnel matters - they're not the most natural area of interest for an engineer. I also like to follow RT's economic forecasts, for example," Lipsanen says.
"RTT's membership in the Finnish Construction Industry Federation (RT) and through it also in the Confederation of Finnish Industry (EK) are of course also important issues, and through that there is a big shoulder to influence. However, for SMEs, the emphasis is more on practical matters."
Lipa-Betoni Group
- The group includes Lipa-Betoni Oy, Rakennusliike U.Lipsanen Oy, Rakennus Oy Antti J. Ahola and Moduls Oy.
- Area of operation: Lipa-Beton factory in Naarajärvi, Rakennusliike U. Lipsanen Oy from Vieremä south of Highway 5 and in other areas on a project-specific basis, Rakennus Oy Antti J. Ahola in the Southern Finland region, Moduls Oy's business covers the whole of Finland
- Turnover: Lipa-Betoni €3,3 million, Group €112 million (2024)
- Personnel: Lipa-Betoni 35, Group 224 (2024)
- Websites
Betoniteollisuus ry
- Responsible for the operations of the Concrete Division of the Finnish Construction Products Industry (RTT), which is tasked with promoting the technical and economic operating conditions of the concrete industry in Finland.
- Members: 48 companies manufacturing concrete products (by group) and 35 supporting members operating in the concrete industry