Despite wars, recessions, and logistical problems, industrial development has been an ongoing process in recent decades. Humanity never fails to innovate and make technological leaps, improving established practices, and always striving for more. This development leads the way to tomorrow, and Peikko is proud to be part of it. We aim to be at the forefront of developing the construction industry where and how it is most needed.
Currently, Peikko has a presence in over 30 countries worldwide on all continents. Among others, we have built thousands of schools, hospitals, and office buildings during the past 60 years. What once started as a one-man enterprise is now a multinational corporation that has brought to life several industrial innovations and shaped the way we build. Besides new product innovations, we work toward the sustainability goals of our existing products and operations and lead the way.
Market needs vary, and Peikko responds to them accordingly. With a close eye on cultural differences, financial status, and material availability, we offer different solutions for different markets. What they all have in common, however, is the Peikko promise of a faster, safer, and more sustainable way to design and build. Let’s take a closer look at three very different markets we operate in.
France
Agricultural and industrial land with cool winters and Mediterranean summers, with a population of 68 million. A high-income advanced and diversified European Union economy with a semi-presidential republican government. In terms of religion, the population is approximately 47 percent Roman Catholic and 33 percent nonpracticing. The real GDP per capita is USD 55,200 (2023 estimate).
The French construction market is known for its blend of creativity and strict regulation, ensuring high standards of safety, sustainability, and quality. France also boasts some exceptional architects who are eager to design and construct spectacular buildings that push the limits of traditional architecture. Their drive for excellence reflects the market’s openness to new systems and approaches. However, any new system or material must pass stringent quality certifications, such as CSTB certification, before gaining acceptance. This sometimes slows innovation.
“Peikko has positioned itself as a key player in this market, particularly in prefabrication, through innovative products like the DELTABEAM®, bolted connections for precast elements, and special market-adapted solutions. Despite some initial obstacles, we have established a strong reputation in France, and are now recognized for our technical expertise and reliable solutions. Over the past 15 years, Peikko has become a trusted partner in the industry, and our products are synonymous with prefabrication efficiency,” says Peikko France’s Area Director Gregor Schabrun.
One of Peikko’s major contributions to the industry is the extension of prefabricated columns, which has streamlined construction processes, encouraging the adoption of modular building methods. This reflects the broader trend toward industrialized construction, where Peikko continues to provide essential tools that make the shift toward sustainability and scalability easier. Simultaneously, Peikko is exploring new sectors like timber construction, particularly with products including BESISTA®, to continue driving innovation.
“Peikko’s recipe for success in the French market is a combination of high quality products, intelligent solutions, and exceptional customer service. We can swiftly respond to market needs while strengthening relationships with a customer-centric approach and tailored solutions. This, along with our technical expertise, makes Peikko a reliable partner and a top choice for concrete construction in France.”
Ukraine
Fertile agricultural land with continental temperatures and abundant natural resources, including minerals. The country has a population of approximately 35 million. It is an agriculture-based lower-middle economy with a semi-presidential republic government. In terms of religion, over 95 percent of the population is Christian (Catholic and Orthodox). The real GDP per capita is USD 16,200 (2023 estimate).
Since the invasion by Russia in February 2022, the infrastructure of Ukraine has undergone severe damage and drastic changes. When the war ends, there will be a rapid need for rebuilding the country, such as energy construction to educational and healthcare units and residential construction. In 2023, Peikko opened a sales office in Kyiv, the capital, and is now establishing production and warehouse facilities in nearby Bila Tserkva. The new factory unit will support the existing customer base and be part of Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts.
“As a forerunner in the construction industry, it is our privilege to be present in growing markets. With Peikko’s solutions, we can help rebuild Ukraine with less workforce, in a cost-efficient and time-saving manner. We strongly believe that establishing a new factory will help our customers, strengthen our operations, and support humanitarian causes,” says Peikko Group Corporation’s CEO Topi Paananen.
Paulius Bulota, Peikko’s Area Director for the Baltic countries, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan is overviewing the new establishment and sees a lot of potential in the market.
“It’s time to stop thinking and start acting. Only a few companies are now entering the Ukrainian market during these difficult times, but by doing so we will be there when the reconstruction begins. This position allows us to lead the way and encourage other companies to follow. I feel honored to be part of this project.”
“From the construction technology point of view, the Ukrainian market is rather conventional. However, there is a lot of interest there in the Nordic building industry and business ethics. Adopting new technologies requires a sufficient customer base, raw material availability, production, and the availability of erection technology. Peikko’s connection technology is contributing to this construction ecosystem to complete the chain and enable a faster and safer way to rebuild Ukraine.”
Saudi Arabia
A harsh and dry desert environment with very large temperature extremes. The population is approximately 36 million. It is an oil-based high-income economy with a monarchical government. The population is up to 90 percent Muslim. Real GDP per capita is USD 49,600 (2023 estimate).
Saudi Arabia opened its borders to tourists only a couple of years ago, and since then the need for construction has heavily increased. The country is investing in educational, residential, and commercial buildings along with the infrastructure, as well as hotels and luxury resorts.
The country’s vision for 2030 is highly focused on the development and transformation of the country within a short timeframe. The megaprojects involve building entire cities out of nothing, such as Neom on the western coast. The project has an ambitious target to build a future global business hub, luxurious tourism system, and living space for over nine million inhabitants, with the most recent technology, materials, and resources. While the abundance of natural resources and the nature of the labor force allows for massive projects, the country is now also following global trends and shifting its focus to sustainability.
Al Rashed Peikko LLC was established in Saudi Arabia in 2008 as a joint venture with Al Rashed Group, and has a sister company and manufacturing unit, Peikko Gulf, in the United Arab Emirates. Over the years, Peikko has participated in several significant projects in the area and introduced new precast technologies to the market, meeting strict quality requirements.
“The quality standards and documentation requirements are extremely high, and fast deliveries are needed. Peikko is successful in this market by being a premium supplier – our target is to partner with our customers and offer them top-notch quality. We help our customers build sustainably to the highest standards,” says Peikko Gulf’s Customer Engineering Manager Nirajuthan Selvarajah.
“We have the capacity to design, manufacture, and deliver. We can even help with the installation phase when needed. In larger projects, the international stakeholders require good cultural and market understanding. Peikko enhances the speed of construction without compromising on environmental considerations. Partnering with our customers and providing local support is a valuable asset.”
These three markets—France, Ukraine, and Saudi Arabia—have different scopes and different building needs. Being a forerunner means different things in all of them. What is essential is that Peikko is there for our customers—locally present, and globally strong. We lead the industry in a way that helps our customers and supports future construction. As always, we promote a faster, safer, and more sustainable way to build.
This article has been originally published in Connections 2025 customer magazine. You can find more Peikko's customer magazines here: Connections customer magazine