Mekrapid Products’ quality chair components stand the test of time
What makes a lounge chair turn around? A swivel! Jakobstad-based Mekrapid Products manufactures high-quality chair swivels as well as other chair components and bases. Founded in 1974, the family company is today led by siblings Fredrika Furu and Alfred Kjellman. Mekrapid’s products for the high-end furniture market are almost exclusively exported and can be found in public and residential settings, where quality and durability are treasured. As a niche market forerunner, Mekrapid is a highly valued partner.
“Today, we are seen as a local supplier by our European clients. We offer custom-made products with many different functions that stand the test of time. Our delivery times are short and we prioritise great service, with technical support included”, says Managing Director Furu.
Some might know Mekrapid for its special machinery products – a know-how, which has come in handy in the past years, as the company has entirely renewed its own production machinery and doubled the size of its facilities. Innovation is ingrained in the company’s way of working.
“We continuously optimise our production processes and experiment in our product development. We are often several years ahead of the market and aim for world-class durability. We are not afraid of failing, but stubbornly test our way to new solutions, often together with our customers”, Technical Director Kjellman describes.
Manufacturing quality products is in itself a sustainability deed, but at Mekrapid, all processes are fine-tuned to create a sustainable company for the future. By investing in new production technology and improving the quality of components, the company reduces waste and its energy consumption. During 2023, it aims to become environmentally certified. For Mekrapid, social responsibility is also important.
“Much of this industry’s production has moved to countries with cheaper labour, but we continue to buy from local suppliers and pay our taxes here in Jakobstad. We take good care of our employees and invest in their work satisfaction and safety. To compete on a global market, we have to work smarter, not harder”, Furu and Kjellman assert.
