When Linjateräs first heard of the ADMA TranS4MErs programme, they had a clear goal: to use it to speed up their digital transformation and become the most competitive powder coating company in an increasingly digitalized manufacturing field. As a traditional manufacturing company, they recognized the need to adapt and evolve to meet modern demands. The ADMA TranS4MErs programme presented a structured approach to achieving this transformation, making it a great opportunity to understand the current situation of the company’s operations as well as the areas to develop in the short and long term to support the sustainable growth of the company.
“Our aim is to grow significantly as a company and revolutionize the surface treatment industry by introducing a carbon-neutral coating to the market, something that hasn’t been available before. We are strongly promoting a new mindset and a green transition in an industry that is quite traditional,” says Lasse Heikinheimo, Production Manager at Linjateräs
Such revolutions do not happen on their own, but require strong commitment and collaboration from employees and external stakeholders. Moreover, programmes such as ADMA TranS4MErs can provide additional support by offering tailor-made consultation and an objective view of the company’s actions.
To start their journey, Linjateräs completed the ADMA TranS4MErs scan that evaluated their performance across 7 different transformation areas. The scan was first completed in 2023 and again in 2024, after some changes had already taken place. These changes included, among other things, mounting a new factory for additional services, implementing real-time monitoring of workstations, updating forklifts to electric versions, and focusing on decreasing the company’s environmental impact via energy savings. After discussing the original and latest scan results, it was clear that the company has already taken multiple steps in their digital transformation. In fact, the company was even chosen as the Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 of the Pirkanmaa region in Finland!
The digital transformation continues
ADMA TranS4MErs is a comprehensive programme designed to support the digital transformation of manufacturing SMEs. It offers a digital scanning tool to evaluate company operations, tailored expert support, and practical actions that enable companies at any stage of their digital transformation to move forward. The added value of the ADMA TranS4MErs program lies in its holistic approach, which not only provides the ADMA TranS4MErs scan for assessing a company's performance across different transformation areas but also offers personal guidance and support from a trusted ‘TranS4MEr’.
“Based on discussions related to scan results and our strategy, we received a customized transformation plan that will be used as a roadmap for the company’s operations in the coming years. We will also follow the completion of the KPI’s that we have set in the plan, and reflect the development of our operations,” says Tero Viitanen, CEO of Linjateräs
Although the ADMA TranS4MErs programme is coming to an end, Linjateräs continues its digital transformation by, e.g. participating in the Data & AI accelerator organized by DIMECC, increasing their understanding of the possibilities of using data to grow their business even further. Linjateräs is also an active member of the Make in Finland ecosystem that works towards sustainable and innovative practices that drive global leadership. Alongside co-creation activities, Linjateräs is on track to becoming a factory of the future, with plans to invest in a new, fully digitalized facility.
DIMECC TranS4MErs CEO Harri Kulmala, Doris Pryjma, and Clémentine Arpiainen visiting Linjateräs CEO Tero Viitanen and powder coating factory. Powder coated sheets hanging in the background. Photo by Lasse Heikinheimo, Production Manager at Linjateräs.