Every year, more than a hundred run-out trucks start their last journey towards Ilvesjoki. There they are cleaned, disassembled and the sorted materials are sold on around the world. According to CEO Jari Kauppila, the 65-year-old family business practiced circular economy even before the whole word had been invented. They have a recycling percentage of dismantled cars of 95. The new recycling field makes sorting easier, but one material still causes gray hair.
- On the consumer side, plastic is already circulating, but in trucks it is problematic waste for the time being. Fortunately, the world has woken up to the plastic problem. Maybe in the next few years the plastic from cars will also be reused, Jari hopes.
Plastic and other materials are processed at Kauppila's Autohajittamo by the ton, because every year the company buys 300 trucks, half of which are sold whole, the rest are dismantled and sold as spare parts and recycled materials.
In time, everything started small, when Jari's father bought a small piece of land in Ilvesjoki and built a house on it. First, Mark unloaded passenger cars, later specialized in heavy equipment.
- We've been around here since we were little boys, Jari recalls.
30 percent of sales for export
Today, Jari runs the company founded by his parents together with his brother Juka. Over the years, the company has grown and become one of the largest in its field in Finland. Today, an area of 7.5 hectares is used, where 15 people work. Space is needed, because the changes in the world market are also visible in Ilvesjoki.
- Trump's China sanctions have depressed the price of scrap metal. That's why it's not worth selling right now, Jukka says.
The brothers know what they are talking about, because the car dealership has more than 40 years of experience in international trade.
- Father started with the Germans in parts of Mersu. Since then, the trade has been spread around the globe. Today, 30 percent of sales are exported, they add up.
From Mettäkylä to the world
Sometimes buyers from further afield stay overnight at the car dealership so that they have time to get to know the huge selection in peace. An old village school has been purchased from the neighbor for accommodation.
- The IT installer who sat with us for the day couldn't believe that customers from three different countries visit such a forest village in just one day, Jari laughs.
Southern Pohja companies have traditionally been cautious with foreign markets. Jari doesn't quite understand why the attitude is so prejudiced.
- It's nothing more than a trade. International trade also has one advantage. When the goods leave the yard, they have already been paid for.
The future in the circular economy
Although Kauppilat believes that they will sell complete cars for a long time to come, the prospects for the future lie in the circulation of materials. With that in mind, the company's latest investment, a one and a half hectare recycling field, was also made.
- Trucks reach the end of their road with an increasingly faster cycle, on average in eight years. Usually, 1.5 million driving kilometers have been accumulated in that time, and the car is no longer worth rebuilding for sale, Jari explains.
The new field facilitates the sorting of cars to be dismantled. Business support for its construction was received from Liiver.
- The support was very important and the operation in Liiveri was very practical. Even though we are only understood for old trucks, thanks to the advice, we managed to do well with the paperwork as well, the brothers praise.
The investment also makes it possible to increase recycling activities.
- Even though basic training is not needed, the biggest obstacle to growth is unexpectedly the lack of employees. We are currently recruiting, he advises.
Caption: Jukka (left) and Jari Kauppila estimate that the new recycling field extending to the edge of the forest will be completed by next spring.