Strategic development and innovations as drivers of sustainable growth

2024 was significant for Ahola Group in many ways. We developed our business according to the principles of knowledge-based management and strongly invested in the green transition and digital solutions.

 

Ahola has long been a pioneer in logistics optimization, utilizing technology extensively. Our Future Lab builds on this development work. Future Lab focuses especially on developing digital solutions, the green transition and new business models. Our team has five experts who bring different perspectives and expertise to our development projects.

 

Last year, key projects included promoting the green transition through the introduction of high-power charging infrastructure and the adoption of the Electronic Freight Transport Information (eFTI) standard. The entire transport industry in Europe will be affected by the eFTI standard.

 

In addition, Ahola Digital continued the development of AI-based tools. For example, a load securing monitoring system helps to ensure the safety of transports.

 

The goal of these projects is to ensure that Ahola is a pioneer in the development of the transport industry.

 

Electrification of vehicles – opportunities and challenges

 

We strongly believe that electricity will be the future energy source in the transport sector. Transitioning to green energy sources is strongly linked to our company’s strategy. We have implemented various pilot projects to test different sources of energy. These projects have shown that the transition to electricity is an operationally sustainable solution.

 

Right now, the high costs of acquiring vehicles, and the availability and cost of using high-power charging infrastructure are slowing down the adoption of electric vehicles. For example, electric trucks cost nearly three times more than traditional diesel-powered vehicles. The costs of charging at public charging points are also high.

 

Charity seminar to celebrate 70th birthday

 

The charity seminar organized in honor of my 70th birthday was an important moment to reflect on our company’s journey and its future. The theme of the seminar was, “What I have learned about leadership”, and we wanted it to serve as a wellspring of experiences that have shaped both our company and its leadership.

 

We heard many interesting speeches, addressing leadership from different perspectives. The keynote speakers were former Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipilä, Vuori – neuvos (a Finnish honorary title) Matti Sundberg, Head of SSAB Europe Olavi Huhtala, and CEO of Scania Poland Wojciech Rowiński.

 

As part of the event, we also organized a charity fund – raiser and donated the proceeds to two important causes, which were presented by Bishop Johan Candelin. The donations were used to help families in Pakistan and low-in – come people in Finland.

 

It is wonderful to see how Ahola’s values are also reflected in actions like these – responsibility, openness and respect for the individual lay the foundation for everything we do.

 

Ahola’s administration is the result of longterm development

 

The development of Ahola’s administration has been a journey that has gone hand in hand with our company’s growth. The credit for this development goes largely to my wife Tiina Ahola, who retired last year after a career spanning several decades.

 

Tiina was the first person to work in the company’s administration. She built the administrative system enabling knowledge-based management, which is still a key part of our operations. Tiina was also the one who brought Ahola into the digital age already in the 1980s, acquiring the first computer in 1984. Our company has been utilizing technology to enhance its administration ever since.

 

Tiina’s attention to detail, analytical approach and commitment to the company have been invaluable. Although she is now retired, the impact of her work still shows strongly in our day-to-day work.

 

Collaboration with the Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce

 

Ahola has been a member of the Finnish-Swedish Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years, but in recent years our co-operation has deepened even further. I have been involved in the Chamber of Commerce’s activities since the ‘90s and joined its Board in 2024. The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce is to promote business markets and opportunities between Finland and Sweden. This is especially important for us now, as unprecedented green transition investments are being made in Northern Sweden.

 

We actively participate in the events, market research and networking opportunities organized by the Chamber of Commerce. These allow us to offer our customers better service and grow our international business. We also believe that in the future the Chamber of Commerce’s activities could be expanded to the other Nordic countries as the markets become increasingly interconnected.

 

Sights set firmly on the future

 

Looking ahead to the year 2025, our key priorities continue to be promoting the green transition, developing digital solutions, and making use of knowledge-based management across all business areas. Ahola has always been a company that looks to the future, and we believe that strategic development and an innovative approach will carry us forward.

 

Last year was full of changes and challenges in our operating environment, but we made major achievements. We continue to grow, develop and, above all, commit to responsible business practices. Together we are building a stronger and more sustainable future.

 

Hans Ahola

Chairman of the Board