A large number of our readers have walked on a carpet manufactured by SNT-Group or sat on a seat cover the company has sewn. Perhaps you have, too?

This could have happened, for example, on a Finnair airplane. SNT-Group has worked closely with the iconic Finnish airline company for over 20 years now, designing aircraft interior parts such as carpets, curtains and seat covers.

The aviation industry is one of the most strictly controlled and standardised industries in the world. It imposes stringent requirements on all materials used in aircrafts ­– not only in terms of safety, but also in terms of design and style.

– A great example of the required precision is that the tolerance for error for a four-metre-long aisle carpet is 2 mm. There is no margin of error allowed anywhere on the aircraft itself, says CEO Kari Talja.

In addition to quality and precision workmanship, there is emphasis on responsibility, traceability and transparency throughout the entire process. The supply chains in equipping aircrafts are complex, and there is no room for a single weak link.

– If an accident were to occur, we need to be able to trace all our products and their materials. You pretty much need to be able to trace the batch of yarn that was used to weave the fabric for the seat to the lamb it came from, says Talja.

A working-class city known for its textile craftsmanship

Tampere, a city situated in the southwestern part of Finland, has a silhouette defined by factory chimneys, an identity characterised by the working class and an urban structure distinguished by the industrial manufacturing that takes place in the heart of the city.

For many Finns, the city is known by its nickname, Manse. It comes from Manchester, the world’s first industrial city – an apt metaphor for a town that rapidly grew to the sound of machines clanking.

It was the textile industry that built Tampere’s reputation as an industrial city. Two of the local industry giants at the forefront were Finlayson, established in 1820, and Tampella, which began operating in 1856.

SNT-Group, founded in 1948, is part of that same solid textile craftsmanship continuum in the area. Production rooted in Finland and in Tampere has always been a matter of honour for the company. It is also an indication of the quality of Finnish workmanship.

– It goes without saying that we are keeping the production in Finland. We trust Finnish craftsmanship, competence and long traditions, stresses Talja.

“We trust Finnish craftsmanship, competence and long traditions.”

Even though a substantial part of the production and processes are automated, most of the sewing is done manually.

– We train our sewers ourselves to a large extent. They have excellent skills and knowledge in patternmaking and sewing. The work involves a high degree of specialisation, which is something we are very proud of, says Talja.

Largest narrow fabrics factory in the Nordic countries

There is a longstanding, uninterrupted industrial heritage to be found also outside the biggest growth centres. Virrat, a town of 6,200 inhabitants, and its nearby village of Killinkoski are great examples of this.

This area saw the establishment of, for example, the first macaroni factory in Finland (Suomen Makaronitehdas Oy) and the country’s first narrow fabrics factory, established in 1898. The latter would eventually become Inka Oy.

– The factory evolved around hydro power and rapid waters. The production is still here – in a newer factory, of course. We are a major source of employment in the area and have employed several generations already, says Sirpa Heinämäki, CEO at Inka Oy.

“The factory evolved around hydro power and rapid waters, and the manufacturing is still here.”

In its 125-year history, Inka Oy has become a leading producer of narrow fabrics in the Nordic countries. All products are manufactured at its factory in Killinkoski.

– There are hundreds of products in our selection. We manufacture, for example, a wide variety of cords, elastic tapes and straps with different properties, Heinämaki lists.

A wide product catalogue also means a wide variety of customers. Inka Oy’s clients operate in different industrial sectors, and include industry leaders in Finland, the other Nordic countries and the Baltic region.

– Our products are used in shoes and workwear, they play a part in the automotive industry and the defence industry, and can be found in security products, the healthcare industry, backpacks and bags, says Heinämäki.

It comes down to the details

A metal button tops off Marimekko’s classic Jokapoika shirt. The L-leg gives Artek’s Alvar Aalto Stool its recognisable shape and stylish joints. Apple products’ icons and design make them distinguishable and easy to use.

Different details add the finishing touch, whether it is a garment, an interior design item or the interface of a technological product. That is why top brands require considerable attention to detail, including in the entire production chain.

– With brands, the technical properties of the products, such as shrinkage in washing, tensile strength, fireproofing, NIR values and colour shades, are crucial, says Heinämäki.

“Top brands require considerable attention to detail, including in the entire production chain.”

Inka Oy wants to be its clients’ partner and involved in product development from the early stages. The product development process can be carried out in co-operation with the client, drawing on the strengths of both parties.

– We discuss the product’s application and requirements to determine the raw materials, production methods and characteristics that are needed. We want to offer our expertise to help develop the best possible product, Heinämaki sums up.