Levyvirta Oy, a Kauhajoki-based distributor specialising in wood and pulp boards, has partnered with Koskisen for nearly seven years to distribute KoskiTherm underfloor heating panels, with the collaboration founded on effective communication, clearly defined responsibilities, and a strong commitment to customer service.
“Collaboration with Koskinen has been smooth in every way. Delivery reliability, active communication and excellent customer service are things that are appreciated. It’s not just about the price,” says Matti Hautala , Director of Sales and Business Development at Levyvirta Oy.
A clear division of roles supports availability and benefits the customer
KoskiTherm is a special product of the Koskisen particleboard factory, and Levyvirta plays an important role, especially in smaller deliveries of the boards. Koskisen handles large batches itself, while smaller inquiries and individual projects are directed to Levyvirta.
“We are Koskisen’s only distributor for this product. It is a testament to their trust and a working cooperation model. Through Levyvirta, KoskiTherm is available quickly and flexibly throughout Finland,” says Hautala.
KoskiTherm panels are stored at Levyvirta’s Seinäjoki location, which enables fast deliveries to different parts of the country, often even the next day. According to Hautala, this is a significant advantage, especially in situations where customers do not have the desire or ability to store materials in advance.
The KoskiTherm system provides an efficient solution for water-based underfloor heating in wooden subfloors and intermediate floors. Designed with pre-milled grooves for 16–17 mm or 20 mm heating pipes, the chipboard panels allow for quick, clean and cost-effective installation.
“If you had to make the same grooves yourself in regular chipboard, it would be laborious and inconvenient. The biggest advantage of KoskiTherm is ease and quick installation. The size and weight of the boards have also been optimized so that they are easy to handle on the construction site,” says Hautala.
Pre-cut grooves combined with separately installed aluminum heat transfer plates help distribute heat evenly across the floor surface. To simplify the process for customers, Levyvirta Oy can also supply a complete package that includes Koskisen underfloor heating panels along with aluminum heat transfer plates sourced from another supplier, eliminating the need for customers to coordinate with multiple vendors.
Environmental issues will be emphasized in the future
Koskisen’s particleboards are manufactured in an energy-efficient and wood-wise manner from sawdust and wood chips, which are by-products of sawmilling and birch plywood production. KoskiTherm is also available in a Zero version, which carries the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
“Currently, environmental issues are not yet decisive for all customers, but the situation is changing. The REACH requirements that come into effect in August will tighten the limits on formaldehyde emissions in building materials, and this will increase interest in chemical emissions from products. We know that Koskisen has been at the forefront of this for a long time, and this will certainly be reflected in demand in the future,” Hautala estimates.
With the REACH regulation, not all products may be sold for indoor use, which further increases the importance of low-emission and certified solutions, especially among B2B customers.
Collaboration is based on people and activity
Levyvirt appreciates that Koskinen is actively in touch and also visits the site. A common value base also facilitates cooperation.
“People do this work. It is important that cooperation is easy and that we are on the same page. In this cooperation, that has been the case from the beginning,” Hautala sums up.
Nearly seven years of collaboration have demonstrated how Koskisen and Levyvirta Oy complement each other effectively, with Koskisen concentrating on industrial manufacturing and product innovation, while Levyvirta provides nationwide availability, customer service and comprehensive solutions across Finland.
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