The downturn in the car market and the strikes hit the Uusikaupunki car factory. However, Valmet Automotive’s battery business is making records. Now the onslaught of Chinese electric cars and the EU’s car tariffs bring a big opportunity to the company. “Chinese companies would now like to quickly test demand,” says new CEO Pasi Rannus.
The CEO of Valmet Automotive, Pasi Rannus, puts on his safety shoes and walks down the stairs from the corner room and towards the car factory. First there is the bodywork and then the finishing area with a row of Mercedes AMG sports models and A-Class cars. Rannus stops to admire the mint green, matte sports car.