The Nordic market is showing clear signs of recovery, according to many FinnMETKO exhibitors. At the largest professional trade fair for heavy machinery and equipment in the Nordic countries, business was brisk, and industry professionals reconnected on a more international scale than ever before.
The three-day FinnMETKO 2026 exhibition attracted 34 786 visitors to Jämsä. A total of 385 exhibitors presented an impressive range of heavy machinery, equipment, utility vehicles, and the latest technologies for the machine contracting industry. FinnMETKO also hosted several world premieres of new machines and products.
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That’s a remarkable amount of work hours for a single machine, the Norcar 600 owned by Erkki Rinne is taken well care of, it even has the original Diesel engine.
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Kieran Anders is a forestry contractor working in the lake district. His work involves hand cutting and extracting timber using a skidder and tractor-trailer forwarder.
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It is not possible to eliminate chain shot, but there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
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Arwel takes great pride in the fact that the mill has no waste whatsoever, “the peelings are used for children’s playgrounds, gardens and for farm animals in barns in the winter and the sawdust has multiple uses in gardens and farms as well.
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Timber hauliers need to encourage young blood in, and also look after the hauliers we have, we need make the sector a safe and positive place to work.
FIND US ON
Alongside new products, remanufacturing (reman) services were strongly represented throughout the exhibition. Numerous stands showcased factory-remanufactured engines, equipment, and related services. Remanufacturing extends the service life of older machinery and equipment with a lower investment than purchasing new units. In addition, recycling and prolonging machine life cycles help conserve natural resources.
FinnMETKO brought together all major manufacturers and suppliers of heavy machinery, utility vehicles, equipment, and spare parts, as well as companies operating in the logistics, earthmoving, forestry, and energy sectors. Visitors also had access to a wide range of services for machine contracting industries, industry associations, educational institutions, and stakeholder organisations.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in the exhibition. The number of visitors and exhibitors is significant, but even more important is that the event has been useful and successful for all participants. Once again, a great deal of business has been conducted at FinnMETKO, and in an excellent atmosphere,” says Tapio Hirvikoski, Exhibition Director.
International participants also shared the positive FinnMETKO spirit. The number of international exhibitors and visitors was significantly higher than in previous years. International guests from more than 30 countries attended the event to learn about Finnish expertise and markets in machine contracting industries.
New Champion Crowned in the Earthmoving Equipment Operators Competition
On the final day of the exhibition, Saturday, FinnMETKO hosted the Ykköskuski (Top Driver) Competition for earthmoving equipment operators. Competitors demonstrated their skills and battled for the Finnish Championship using two different machines.
Mikael Järvinen claimed overall victory and the Finnish Ykköskuski Champion title. Jukka Rautakoski, the 2024 champion, was the runner-up. Jouni Mäkelä secured third place. The earthmoving department of Gradia Vocational College organised the competition.
The next major exhibition for machine contracting industries, FinnMETKO 2028, will be held in Jämsä on 31 August – 2 September 2028.
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