History
1950s – Confident in success
Confidence in a vision
In 1958 Ensio Miettinen established the company, Insinööritoimisto Ensio Miettinen, and began manufacturing cable glands and other metal accessories for the industry. The company was founded by a young, self-reliant engineer: "Of course I was sure I would succeed! I knew the business inside out". Ensio had worked for several years in his father's Engineering Company, before launching his own business. He was confident that his business of turning small metal components will eventually become something bigger.
Ensio's vision for products was to make them easier to install and better to use. Fresh ideas, modern manufacturing methods and firm cost awareness were the keys to his success.
Finland to stand at her own feet
After the war, Finland was in need of almost everything. Ensio Miettinen realised that the only way to get anything is to do it. By yourself.
Knowledge from Germany
Miettinen gathered knowledge and ideas from German engineers. In the fifties Germany was in the forefront of European technical engineering. Always when coming upon an unfamiliar technical product he asked himself: "Who manufactures these in Finland?" Very often the answer was: "Nobody".
The idea of reduction and a shrewd strategy
Machinery that existed in Germany was taken into use in Finland, in one tenth of the volume. The company concentrated on products the big industrial plants didn't consider feasible to produce. Thus, every product in those years filled gaps on the market.
1960s – Product development boosted growth
Endless composing of ideas
Ensio’s capability of creating ideas together with product development produced numerous patents. Every new product had some unique new feature, e.g. easier installation or use, or a better design.
Cost-conciousness creates profits
Another important factor in achieving any profits at all was total cost-conciousness on all levels of the organisation. Seemingly small changes in design and paying close attention to the use of the expensive raw materials – such as brass – yielded savings and, consequently, more profitable production.
Market niches
Miettinen searched, found, used and filled the market niches with products that others could not manufacture.
1962
Ensto published its first catalogue of electric supplies.
From 2 to 20 to 200…
The work force was increasing rapidly in the 1960s and by the end of the decade it was time to reward the first, loyal employees whose years of service reached 10 years.
1970s – Expanding by understanding the construction means
The decade of change
The 70s changed the construction means and materials. Ensto foresaw the course of development.
Expansions
The acquisition of Oy Sähkövaruste Ab took place in 1972 and launched the rapid expansion of Ensto. In 1974 a new factory was founded in Mikkeli and the factory in Porvoo expanded. A year earlier, the company expanded to Sweden.
Recession
Economical recession in the second half of the decade tore the country and halved turnover in one year, but Ensto stayed in good shape by taking action in time. Ensio had sensed the little signs foretelling a forthcoming recession.
Package product idea
Miettinen decided to slice the company into smaller modules. He realised that customer needs are the basis of the modules – and everything.
Head office completed in Porvoo
The head office has always been in Porvoo the current office being completed in 1974.
Changes in the management
Mr. Esko Kahela started his career for the next fourteen year as the Managing Director of Ensto in 1979.
