The Decades-Long Partnership Between Purso and VAK Oy Is Founded on Close Design Ties and Flexibility

VAK Oy is one of the premier manufacturers of transport equipment in the Nordic countries. The partnership between Purso and the company then known as Virtasen Autokori started as early as in the 1980s, and today Purso is one of VAK’s biggest partners. Purso aluminium profiles are fundamentally important to the transport bodies VAK manufactures, both on the inside and outside of the bodies.

Tailor-made transport equipment is built with tailor-made profiles

VAK is known for transport systems that are tailored to meet the particular needs of individual customers. VAK’s customer orientation is based in solid design expertise and requires flexibility, even from their partners. When it comes to profiles, this means that standard profiles can only be used in rare cases. The partnership between Purso and VAK is centred around close design cooperation.

– We have strongly established in-house design practices, so we need products matching very specific requirements. The profiles we use are made exactly to our measurements and needs. The customisability of Purso profiles is one reason why the partnership originally began, says VAK Buyer Terhi Rapo.

Ever longer and lighter transport equipment

VAK customers expect solutions that are suitable for heavy professional use in line with contemporary requirements: equipment is growing ever longer while requiring lightness, meaning that aluminium is a good choice.

– When it comes to demanding transport equipment, quality and durability are important. We need to be able to meet our customers’ quality requirements, and the same goes for our suppliers. Purso has delivered reliable quality, says Rapo.

The length of the profiles presents its own challenges in e.g. transport, because the profiles can reach 14 metres in length and therefore bend easily. Despite the challenging premise, the profiles need to be delivered in time to avoid production delays.

– Our products require enormous quantities of various components and materials, but our stock capacity is limited. This highlights the importance of punctual deliveries. Whenever we have temporarily or suddenly run out of some part, Purso has been able to meet our needs very quickly. In exceptional circumstances, the turnaround time has sometimes been as short as three or four days, says Rapo, commending Purso’s supply security.

A proactive approach ensures smooth cooperation

In addition to Purso’s supply security and flexibility, Rapo appreciates their proactivity and transparent communications.

– Our partnership works really well overall. Communication is regular. For example, if Purso is experiencing congestion, they will let you know openly and proactively. This is a big deal that we really appreciate.