Leden Group Oy
Press Release
3 March 2025
The Swedish contract manufacturer and stock exchange listed company HANZA AB is expanding its business in Finland and is consciously investing in production outside growth centers as part of its strategy. In December 2024, HANZA announced an agreement to acquire the entire share capital of the metal contract manufacturer Leden Group Oy. The authorities have now approved the arrangement, and the acquisition has been finalized.
HANZA is consciously investing in production outside growth centers, referring to this as the rural model. The company has found benefits in its operating countries by locating factories in less densely populated areas, which typically offer committed staff, spacious and affordable premises, and agile cooperation between companies, financiers, and the community. The acquisition of the Finnish Leden Group fits well into the company’s portfolio, as its factories are located in Oulainen, Nivala, Sievi, and Seinäjoki. Leden invested in a major new factory project in Oulainen, Northern Ostrobothnia, in 2024, and HANZA is currently implementing a factory investment in the small town of Töcksfors in Värmland, Sweden.
“Areas outside growth centers have many strengths from an industrial perspective. We have found that production is more economical than in large cities, and employees are often proud to work for a large company. Additionally, our experience shows that cooperation with various stakeholders is agile and intense because, as local operators, we need each other,” says Erik Stenfors, CEO of HANZA.
“We have just built a new factory in the town of Oulainen, and the factory serves as the spearhead of our growth story. For example, in this project, we have found HANZA’s model to be practically effective, as the major project was carried out in very close cooperation with the town of Oulainen. Through such cooperation, we can simultaneously build vitality in the city and grow our business,” says Jukka Haapalainen, President of HANZA’s Finnish cluster, who is transitioning from the position of CEO of Leden Group Oy.
Background Information about the Company:
HANZA offers full-service manufacturing clusters close to its customers, combining various manufacturing technologies such as cable assemblies, electronics, sheet metal, machining, and mechanical engineering services. Founded in Sweden in 2008, HANZA has grown into an international group with 21 factories in seven countries: Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and China. HANZA has over 3,100 employees in six manufacturing clusters, and its revenue in 2024 was 4.8 billion Swedish kronor. HANZA is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm stock exchange. After the acquisition of Leden Group, HANZA’s Finnish cluster factories are located in Oulainen, Sievi, Nivala, Seinäjoki, Heinävesi, Iisalmi, and Joensuu.
