Väinö Ahopelto founded the company in 1955 for Lapland’s reconstruction needs. The company operated under the name Sodankylän Sementtivalimo until 2003, when due to growth and internationalization the company’s name was changed to Betroc Oy. In the 1950s, production consisted of well rings, drum pipes, roof tiles and bricks. Work was carried out mainly by hand. In the early days operations were made difficult by, for example, a shortage of raw materials, electricity rationing and a general strike.
Väinö and his wife Tyyni’s oldest child, Pentti became a concrete lab technician in 1967and a ready-mixed concrete plant was built in 1977. Ready-mixed concrete became the largest product group in net sales. In 1978, the company became a limited partnership. Sons Pentti and Seppo became involved as the responsible partners of the company.In 1979, the company was awarded the Sodankylä Municipal Enterprise Award.
The manufacturing for precast concrete elements began
The manufacturing period for precast concrete elements began in the 1980s when the old foundry hall was demolished and a new production hall was built in its place. At that time, Sementtivalimo won a major electricity pole basic element contract from Imatran Voima.In 1987, the youngest children, Raimo and Leena, joined the limited partnership as responsible partners. As an IT expert, Raimo brought information technology to the company, initially as a tool for financial management.A new automated IT-controlled concrete plant was completed and taken into use.Construction of the Kitinen powerplant was at its most intense. At the same time, several bridges were built.
In 1992, the pre-casting hall was expanded and the company invested in its first rotating table molds. The manufacture of all types of exterior surfaces became possible. The first apartment house elements were manufactured. In the 1990s, Finland plunged into an uncontrollable depression as business activity curled up in its place and construction virtually came to a complete halt. Our company’s net sales declined in one year to less than half of the year earlier. The market looked towards Sweden, where the company obtained from Vattenfall AB a nearly year-long power cable line basic element contract for Horred – Breared in southern Sweden. Due to this work, the company survived through the worst recession.
From a limited partnership to a limited liability company
The company became a limited liability company, whose principal shareholders are siblings Pentti, Seppo, Leena and Raimo.In 1995, the company was awarded the Lapland Regional Enterprise Award.Three expansions were done for the precast concrete hall.Rotating table molds were added and different precast building construction elements became the largest part of production.The company filed for and in 1999 was approved under the Finnish Standards Association – Inspecta Sertifiointi Oy’s quality control system.
During the 2000s, export efforts to the Arctic began. An export cooperation agreement signed among Lappish concrete manufacturing companies and the Betonico group was established for practical operations. Exports to Norway began. The production facilities were further expanded in 2001, and the company’s largest single investment was completed in December 2004 when additional concrete element capacity, ready-made concrete element storage space and new social spaces were constructed. Today our production includes various precast concrete elements and ready-mixed concrete. If necessary, we also offer precast concrete element structure design and installation.
The progression through all the different time periods has effected major changes and investments. Having learned from our parents and experiences, we will continue with our feet firmly on the ground going forward with good partners, long-term customer relationships as well as a skilled and competent staff.