Lumikko's History
From a garage-built refrigeration unit to a global leader in thermal management solutions.
Over more than 50 years, Lumikko has developed innovative systems for rail transport, the defence industry, electric work machinery, and energy storage – always tailored to customer requirements and engineered for extreme conditions. This is our story.
1970
Born from necessity, shaped by Finland’s extremes
Finland’s changing weather put the food industry’s refrigeration units to the test. Four brothers – Asser, Torsti, Kyösti and Esko Saikkonen – set out to develop equipment that could withstand even the harshest conditions. In a small garage, they founded Seinäjoen Kylmäkone A&T Ky, marking the beginning of Lumikko.
1972
First breakthrough
Lumikko introduced its first truck refrigeration unit, designed to endure Finland’s variable and demanding climate.
1976
Seinäjoen Kylmäkone Oy
The company grew and adopted a new name.
1985
First solutions for the defence industry
Lumikko developed air conditioning systems for armoured personnel carriers, significantly improving working conditions for soldiers. This opened the door to long-term cooperation with the defence sector.
1986-1988
Ownership returns to the founders
After a short period under external ownership, the brothers bought the company back.
1989
Lakeuden Kylmäkeskus Oy
A name change marked growth and a new phase.
1991
Service operations begin
Lumikko established its own service unit to better support customers – the beginning of Lumikko’s service business, which would later lead to the founding of Lumikko Huoltopalvelut Oy.
1992
Entering the rail industry
The first train air-conditioning unit was developed for a diesel locomotive, improving driver comfort. This laid the foundation for Lumikko’s strong position in rail thermal management.
1996
Focus on Sweden
With exports increasing, Lumikko founded the marketing company Lumikko Ab in Umeå and set up spare parts operations in Stockholm.
2002
Expanding beyond the Nordics
Lumikko delivered products outside the Nordic countries for the first time.
2003
The name Lumikko
While discussing new names in their backyard, the founders spotted an arctic weasel (Finnish: lumikko) darting past – inspiring the company’s current name.
2005
ISO 9001 certification
Lumikko’s commitment to quality was recognised with an international certification.
2007
Focusing on core expertise
The fixed refrigeration solutions for the food industry were sold.
2010
Lumikko Huoltopalvelut Oy
Rising demand for service led to the creation of a dedicated company focusing on maintenance and support across industries.
2012
Strategic renewal
German company Bitzer acquired Lumikko’s truck refrigeration business, which continued as Lumikko Technologies. Lumikko Oy sharpened its focus on thermal management systems for rail, defence, and industrial applications.
2014
New headquarters in Seinäjoki
Modern production facilities were completed on Lastausväylä.
2016
First solutions for electric work machinery
Lumikko introduced thermal management systems for electric work machines, anticipating the industry’s shift toward electrification.
2019
Energy storage solutions
The first thermal management systems for energy storage were delivered.
2020-2021
Growth in electrification and energy solutions
Projects for electric work machinery were completed, alongside a stronger focus on sustainable solutions.
2022
Generational change
Third-generation entrepreneur Lauri Latvala acquired Lumikko Oy. The company continues to grow, focusing on electrification, the defence industry, and rail.
2023-2024
Strong growth continues
Lumikko achieved ISO 14001 environmental certification and strengthened its position in thermal management for electrification and rail. Tampere’s new tram lines and Helsinki’s light rail were equipped with Lumikko’s air-conditioning units – meaning every tram in Finland now has a Lumikko climate system. Revenue doubled from €3.9 million in 2021 to €8.1 million in 2024.