Cooperation across generations: Koskisen has been a trusted partner of a Japanese company for 30 years
Representatives of the Japanese company Shimizu Lumber arrived as guests of Koskisen at the Iisvesi and Järvelä sawmills to celebrate 30 years of cooperation. This exceptionally long collaboration is a milestone of a deep partnership that has endured market changes, economic cycles and generational transitions. The visit was considered so significant at Shimizu that the company’s grand old man, 95-year-old Itaru Shimizu, decided to join, even though due to his advanced age he rarely travels anymore. Three generations of the Shimizu family business were present: in addition to Itaru Shimizu, CEO Yumi Shimizu and Director Suekichi Shimizu. Yasuo Toyoda, Strategic Advisor for wood products at Itochu Kenzai Corporation was also present.
Both the Järvelä sawmill and the visit to Iisvesi made a strong impression on the delegation. “The mill in Iisvesi has a very long history and it was a place where you could truly feel the history,” Itaru Shimizu described.
At the heart of the cooperation is Koskisen’s way of working
The Shimizu representatives listed the key elements of the cooperation, the first of which: people and trust, consistent quality of sawn timber and punctual deliveries, are things that are part of Koskisen’s DNA, its way of operating. “Prices can always be negotiated, but these other things must be in order,” Toyoda summarised.
Shimizu Wood’s company philosophy emphasises the importance of personal encounters. Itaru Shimizu quoted a Japanese saying that expresses the idea that even a brief passing encounter creates a connection between people. With Koskisen, the connection was formed easily. Koskisen’s personnel were perceived from the beginning as genuinely reliable and pleasant partners. “It was easy to start with them and easy to continue,” Itaru Shimizu recalled.
The Japanese partners emphasised that their own reputation depends on the quality of the material they deliver. The quality of Koskisen’s sawn timber has been exceptionally stable for decades, which has been critical for the demanding Japanese market. In addition, delivery reliability has been excellent and is one of the reasons why Koskisen has remained an important Finnish sawmill partner throughout the 30 years.
Koskisen has always looked for ways to respond to demanding requests that other suppliers do not take on. “They always respond even to our difficult questions,” the visitors noted. This flexibility has been crucial especially in the strict quality requirements of element construction. Both the Shimizu representatives and Itochu’s Toyoda emphasised that true partnership is visible in difficult times. Companies have supported each other through market fluctuations, currency changes and supply chain challenges.
Finnish wood is strong in Japan
In Japan, traditional detached-house construction is decreasing, but the need for buildings other than residential ones is growing. Finnish wood is seen in Japan as a particularly environmentally friendly and high-quality option suitable for demanding applications.
“Shimizu Lumber uses several different sawn timber dimensions and lengths from Koskisen. Specifications usually change from quarter to quarter. Sometimes thicknesses and widths differ by only a few millimetres, but Koskisen has always tried to offer sawn timber according to the customer’s needs,” one of the hosts of the visit, Export Manager Juha Virmiala stated.
Koskisen’s products, such as sawn timber, processed wood, plywood and thin plywood, are known for their dimensional accuracy, low knot content and straight grain. These qualities are critical for Japanese element builders who require extremely tight tolerances.
Japan’s ageing population and the weak yen currently pose challenges, but both Shimizu and Itochu see great potential in environmentally friendly solutions. Finnish wood fits well in achieving sustainable development goals (SDG) and eco-construction objectives, and the visitors believe that cooperation can be deepened through new applications and innovations.
They also emphasised that cooperation cannot remain unchanged: “If we continue exactly the same way as now, we cannot develop. We must bring new ideas and also receive them from Koskisen.”
A partnership that continues across generations
Shimizu Lumber’s history dates to 1921, when the company’s predecessor began operations in Japan. The current company has grown into a full-service wood industry operator that sources, processes and supplies wood both domestically and internationally. The company’s first contact with Finland came through Itochu Kenzai Corporation, when the Japanese began importing logs from North America and later sought European wood that would be more competitive and of higher quality. Itochu is a Japanese importer and distributor of building materials. Founded in 1961, the company is part of a global group and acts as a key link between global suppliers and the Japanese construction market. Thirty years ago, Itochu introduced Shimizu to Koskisen and the cooperation began immediately.
Shimizu Lumber’s business has continued for four generations, and the company has had partnerships lasting more than 100 years, for example with Kawasaki Heavy Industries. At Shimizu, it is believed that cooperation with Koskisen will continue just as long. “I believe this will continue for another 100 years. We will make it so,” Itaru Shimizu stated.
The invitation to celebrate the 30-year journey together was deeply meaningful to the representatives of both companies. “We are truly grateful for the invitation. It says a lot about what kind of company Koskisen is,” Itaru Shimizu thanked. “The visit confirmed what both companies have known for a long time: cooperation is not just business. It is a long-term partnership across generations, based on trust, quality and a shared desire to develop.”
