History of Piako

Early Days – Metallipaja Piako Ky Jukka Kovanen founded Metallipaja Piako Ky in 1984. Piako’s first premises were rented facilities in the central area of Pieksämäki. In addition to various metalwork, production included the manufacturing of van and truck box bodies as well as flatbeds. Soon, commercial vehicle body structures became the company’s main product group, and Piako built a new, larger production hall in the then-rural municipality of Pieksämäki, in Naarajärvi. Growth Leaps Just over ten years after its founding, the company changed its legal form to a limited company and simultaneously carried out its first hall expansion as production grew. At the turn of the 2000s, the company had strong confidence in the future of vehicle body manufacturing and invested once again in a new 1000 m² hall extension. To improve product quality and reduce lead times, a modern heavy vehicle paint shop was built adjacent to the production facilities. These facilities are still being renovated and upgraded continuously to meet current production needs and future requirements. Generational Shift and New Horizons In 2014, the leadership of Piako passed to the next generation, Harri and Hannu Kovanen. Harri Kovanen was appointed CEO of Piako Oy. That same year, the company also celebrated its 30-year anniversary. Piako Oy continues its journey with respect for tradition, yet boldly evolving toward an even stronger position as a specialist in heavy-duty vehicle bodies and trailers.