The Finnish light assembly industry a world leader
The Finnish light assembly industry a world leader
Keywords: Finland, Assembly
Launched by Tekes in 1996, the LASSI or Light Assembly Industry technology programme achieved its targets by making the Finnish light assembly industry and related equipment manufacturers world leaders. Considering the requirements of the assembly stage early on is good practice in product development.
Important assembly-dominated production sectors include the electricity and electronics industries, mechanical engineering, and plastics.
"Light assembly" refers to assembly of products that, because of their weight and size, can be handled by people at the assembly stage without technical aids. Such products include cellular phones and faucets.
During the LASSI or Light Assembly Industry technology programme, the growth figures for this sector have been even higher than expected, both in the case of end-product and equipment manufacturers.
The turnover of the Finnish electric and electronics industry has doubled since 1996. The value of production in the sector stood at more than FIM 100 billion in 1999, and the sector employed over 65,000 people. The turnover and personnel figures of the largest equipment manufacturers have increased four-fold; total turnover of the five largest now exceeds FIM 1.3 billion and total staff 1,500.
Since initiation of the LASSI programme, Finland has significantly increased its expertise in light assembly technology and its applications. According to Reijo Tuokko, programme manager, Finland has become a world leader in both light assembly production and equipment manufacture.
"In view of the radical advances achieved, the LASSI programme has played an important role at least in making things possible and providing support. The programme has promoted development projects, collaboration and networking to share information and skills", says Tuokko.
Businesses played an important role
The programme was business-focused; priority was on the R&D projects of individual businesses. The research projects involved raising the standard of research and training in the field.
The LASSI programme comprised nearly 40 projects involving a total of 90 businesses and 12 research institutions. The total volume was FIM 77 million, of which Tekes funding made up FIM 40 million.
The programme also served to increase awareness of the light assembly industry as a field of technology and production. This will make future development of the field easier and facilitate recruitment.
The LASSI programme has laid a solid foundation for joint standardization. A unified front can also influence development trends globally and will help Finnish businesses and engineering to gain a strong foothold in the global community and network.
The LASSI Club will continue the work
According to Reijo Tuokko, the results from the LASSI technology programme provide a solid basis for continuing collaboration and development in the field.
The work will be continued in the "LASSI Club", which functions as a national network and forum for the light assembly industry. Collaboration will ensure that Finnish light assembly and related equipment technology will remain in the vanguard of global development.
The LASSI Club also promotes cooperation between businesses and research institutions and serves as an efficient channel for technology transfer.
Further information contact Professor Reijo Tuokko, Programme Manager,Tamlink Ltd. Tel. +358 50 561 1192; E-mail: reijo.tuokko@tut.fior Antti Hovi, Technology Expert, Tekes. Tel. +358 10 521 5895; E-mail: antti.hovi@tekes.fi; Web: www.lassi.net
