Smooth cooperation and easy installation

The Kauhajoki-based wholesale and retail company Levyvirta Oy, specialising in wood and panel products, has served as a distribution partner for Koskisen’s KoskiTherm underfloor heating panels for almost seven years. The long cooperation has been built on a clear division of responsibilities, good communication and, above all, serving the end customer.

“Cooperation with Koskisen has been smooth in every respect. Reliable deliveries, active communication, and excellent customer service are appreciated. It’s not just about the price”, states Matti Hautala, Director responsible for sales and business development at Levyvirta Oy.

Clear division of roles supports availability and benefits the customer

KoskiTherm is a speciality product of Koskisen’s particleboard operations, and Levyvirta plays an important role, especially in smaller panel deliveries. Koskisen handles large batches itself, while directing smaller inquiries and individual projects to Levyvirta.

“We are Koskisen’s only reseller for this product. That is a sign of trust and a functional model of cooperation. Through Levyvirta, KoskiTherm is available quickly and flexibly throughout Finland”, Hautala says.

Stocking KoskiTherm panels at Levyvirta’s Seinäjoki facility enables fast deliveries to different parts of the country, often even by the next day. According to Hautala, this is a significant advantage, especially in situations where customers do not want to or are unable to store materials in advance.

Ease of use is KoskiTherm’s strength

The KoskiTherm system enables water-circulated underfloor heating in wooden ground and intermediate floors. The particleboard panels are pre-milled with grooves for either 16–17 mm or 20 mm underfloor heating pipes, which makes installation fast, tidy and cost-effective.

“If similar grooving had to be done by oneself in ordinary particleboard, it would be laborious and difficult. KoskiTherm’s biggest advantage is ease, fast installation, and speed. The size and weight of the panels are also optimised so that they are easy to handle on site”, Hautala says.

The ready-made grooves and separately installed aluminium heat-distribution plates ensure even heat throughout the floor. Levyvirta can supply the customer, if needed, with the complete package: Koskisen’s underfloor heating panels and aluminium heat distribution plates from another supplier, so the customer does not need to deal with multiple operators.

The future holds emphasis on environmental issues

Manufactured in an energy-efficient and wood-wise manner from sawdust and wood chips, Koskisen’s particleboards are by-products of sawmilling and birch plywood production. KoskiTherm is also available as a Zero version carrying the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.

“At the moment, environmental issues are not yet decisive for all customers, but the situation is changing. The REACH requirements coming into force in August will tighten the formaldehyde emission limits for construction materials and thus increase interest in low-emission products. We know that Koskisen has been ahead in this for a long time, and this will certainly reflect in demand going forward”, Hautala estimates.

Under the REACH regulation, not all products will be allowed for indoor use in the future, which will further increase the importance of low-emission and certified solutions, especially among B2B customers.

Cooperation based on people and proactivity

At Levyvirta, Koskisen’s representatives’ active approach is highly appreciated. A shared value base that facilitates cooperation.

“After all, it’s people who do this work. It’s important that cooperation is easy and that everyone is on the same page. In this cooperation, that has been the case from the very beginning”, Hautala sums up.

Seven years of experience show that KoskiTherm and Levyvirta complement each other: Koskisen focuses on industrial manufacturing and product development, while Levyvirta ensures availability, service and complete solutions for customers throughout Finland.