New power tools factory and products symbolise Mirka’s way of thinking differently
In February 2024, Mirka relocated the production of its state-of-the-art power tools to a brand new factory in Jakobstad. At this facility, Mirka manufactures both electric sanders and – as the first and only company in Finland – dust extractors.
“This new factory showcases how we are implementing our vision and taking the lead in our industry”, says Marketing Director Nina Nyman.
When planning the new factory, Mirka chose a unique approach by involving its own power tools production workers in the development.
“We wanted to create the best possible environment for our employees, so listening to their opinions and suggestions was a core part of the whole process. The final result is exactly what we hoped for: highly modern production facilities that both our experts and our products deserve”, explains Markku Kalliosaari, Production Manager at the Power Tools & Polishing unit.
The new power tools factory enhances production efficiency and innovation while also enabling Mirka to expand its workforce. In 2025, the factory employs 80 workers, with the long-term goal to increase this number to 120 in the future.
It is very exceptional that we can make our products almost fully locally
Although Mirka has been manufacturing abrasives for over 80 years, the company’s first power tool was launched as recently as 2009. Thanks to its still rather short history in this industry, Mirka dares to think outside the box and pioneer new ideas. This is apparent when you look at the company’s new tools launched in the autumn of 2024.
“One of these is the DEROS RS 600 heavy-duty rotary sander. What makes this sander particularly remarkable is that it does not have a gearbox, yet it is every bit as powerful as comparable sanders”, says Veli-Pekka Västi, General Manager at the Power Tools Development unit.
The DEROS RS features a special type of motor that enables it to operate without a gearbox. This design makes the sander exceptionally quiet and reduces its energy consumption by 50 percent compared to traditional solutions.
“What is more, the DEROS RS only weighs 1.8 kilograms and works smoothly despite being a heavy-duty rotary sander. Thanks to its fantastic ergonomics, operators can use it even for longer periods of time”, Västi points out.
“And not only did we develop the sander itself, but also new abrasives to go with it. Having the capability to produce everything in-house – from abrasives and polishing compounds to power tools – is one of Mirka’s greatest strengths. There is no other company that does it all,” Nyman adds.
At the same time as the DEROS RS entered the market, Mirka launched a dust extractor that works seamlessly with the company’s other next generation power tools. The DEXOS 1217 has an efficient brushless motor, integrated hose and cord storage as well as an ergonomic design.
“As a pioneer in dust-free solutions, optimising all our tools to work perfectly together is an essential part of ensuring safer and cleaner working environments”, emphasises Västi.
When developing the dust extractor, Mirka consulted 40 customers to discuss what improvements they would make to existing products. Similarly, during the development of the DEROS RS sander, customers participated in prototype testing and provided valuable feedback on its features.
Our power tools are highly sought after since they are what professionals want: small, light, and powerful
“Engaging customers in the innovation process and truly listening to them is something that we always do here at Mirka. Since our power tools are what professionals want – small, light, and powerful – they are highly sought-after”, Västi states.
Most Mirka products are manufactured in Ostrobothnia, with 80 percent of the components sourced from Finland. The company especially prioritises finding Ostrobothnian suppliers and using as many regionally sourced materials as possible.
“It is very exceptional that we can make our products – that are used across a variety of sectors all over the world – almost fully locally”, says Nyman.
In addition to power tools, Mirka manufactures polishing compounds and micro grit products in Jakobstad. The company’s main production plant, where abrasives are made, is located just outside Nykarleby in the small village of Jeppo. Mirka also operates a textile plant in Karjaa, Southern Finland, where the raw material for net abrasives is produced.
