Leomuovi - From Past to Present

Mustard, Sawdust, and Perseverance – Veikko’s Journey to Becoming an Engineer (1907–1934)

Veikko Olavi Lapinleimu was born in 1907 to Felix Hjalmar (1882–1934) and Helmi Katariina Eskola (1880–1960). He grew up with three siblings: Jalmari (1906), Lauri Johannes (1910), and Liisa Maria (1913).

The family’s tannery, run by Veikko’s father, provided work for the entire household. Yet, as their family grew to four children, Hjalmar and Helmi began dreaming of a new path. They envisioned opening their own leather and footwear shop. Opportunities appeared in several locations, including Pitkäranta on the shores of Lake Ladoga, and in Toijala, where a commercial and residential building along the main road had become available after the death of its owner, August Mäenpää.

Ultimately, Toijala emerged as the winner, because it provided the children with the opportunity to attend secondary school. In 1919, the family made the move there. Hjalmar bought a house at the location where the local pharmacy now stands and establisher Lapinleimu Leather and Footwear, a specia store specializing in high-quality leather goods. Most of the products were produced the family’s factory in Loppi, and as the business expanded, shoes were added to the offer.

However, Veikko Lapinleimu, had no desire to follow the path of his father, grandfather, and almost all the men in the family - he aspired to become an engineer. Part of his motivation stemmed from his independent and headstrong nature, but another significant influence was a childhood hero: the esteemed Mr. Engineer, who had once visited their home for a meal.

Veikko sat in the kitchen, wide-eyed, carefully watching as the engineer calmly ate at the head of the table. The fact that the engineer asked for mustard to go with the bacon seemed miraculous to young Veikko. When the engineer finally left, Veikko devoured almost an entire jar of mustard, tears streaming down his face. When his mother wondered why, Veikko justified it: "The engineer ate it too – and I'm going to be an engineer when I grow up!"

Veikko’s ingenuity did not stop at mustard. While still in middle school, he built his own radio after seeing one at the home of Urho Järvinen, the artistic director of the Hellberg wallpaper factory. His path then led to the Helsinki University of Technology, where he graduated as a diploma engineer in 1932.

He began his career at Höyrypuuseppä Oy in Tampere and later moved to Asko-Avonius Oy in Lahti, where he designed a modern kiln that dried the wood before processing. In the winter of 1934, Veikko travelled to Leipzig for business with Asko-Avonius. It was during this trip that he had a pivotal moment – his introduction to plastics technology and machinery sparked a revolutionary idea: objects could be made from Bakelite without any chipping. This idea stuck with him and continued to develop.

. After five years working in the woodworking industry, Veikko moved on to become a lecturer at the Helsinki Technical Institute. There, he was known as an inspiring and lively speaker, which made him very popular with his students – no one ever nodded off in his lessons.

And so Veikko’s journey continued: from engineer and lecturer to pioneer of the plastics industry and founder of Lapinleimu Oy. It all began with a single spoonful of mustard - and culminated in Finland’s first Bakelite products.

Veikko Lapinleimu was a respected and compassionate leader who treated all employees equally, regardless of social status or political orientation. Even on a bad day, Veikko made sure to greet every single employee personally, ensuring no one was overlooked. This approach helped him build close and trusting relationships with his staff. Veikko’s innovation and perseverance were apparent in both his management style and product development. He had strong confidence in his abilities and motivated those around him to succeed.

A new chapter began in 1977 when a young engineer, Leo Koskinen, joined Lapinleimu's plastics department. He brought fresh energy, enthusiasm, and a broad perspective on the use of plastic in industry. In his work, he became captivated by plastic's diverse possibilities and fully dedicated himself to the field. Over seven years, Koskinen gained a deep understanding of plastics production and its business potential. This led to a significant decision in 1984: Leo Koskinen purchased Lapinleimu's plastics business and founded a new company, Leomuovi Oy.

Lapinleimu’s Legacy Lives On in Leomuovi (1984–2001)

The deal was sealed with a handshake. Leo Koskinen, who had been the head of Lapinleimu’s plastics division, purchased the department and used it as the foundation to establish Leomuovi Oy—a company that honored Lapinleimu’s valuable legacy while resolutely looking to the future. Leo aimed to combine traditional plastics expertise with the latest technology and to build genuine partnerships with customers. The machinery, employees, and traditions were transferred to Viiala, where Leomuovi began operations in 1984.

In its early years, Leomuovi exceeded expectations. The machinery was modernized, production facilities expanded, and revenue grew. The company's product range included a large number of technical plastic components, most of which were subcontracted, but it also had its own products, such as the star and ball knobs developed for industrial use.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Leomuovi focused resolutely on developing injection molding technology and expanding its production capacity. The company responded to the growing needs of the Finnish industry and strengthened its reputation as a reliable and flexible partner.

The challenging 1990s brought increased competition in the plastics sector and technological upheaval, but Leomuovi remained at the forefront of development. It adopted new production methods and deepened its customer relationships. These strategic choices ensured that the company stayed strong and competitive, even in a rapidly changing business environment.

On May 15, 1995, the young and enthusiastic Sami Rantala joined Leomuovi as a technical advisor, handling both supervisory and technical tasks. At that time, no one could have predicted that Sami would later become a central figure and driving force within the company.