According to Klaus Viljanmaa, CEO of Jalas, the purpose of broadening Jalas’ ownership base is to secure future growth for the business. ”The combination with Ejendals is a natural continuation to the 25 years of co-operation between the Viljanmaa and Ejendals families. It marks an important step in attaining the strong growth and internationalization outlined in our strategy. In co-operation with Ejendals we are able to strengthen our product range, expedite our move to new markets and increase awareness of the Jalas brand. The transaction also strengthens the Jalasjärvi factory’s position as leading the development and manufacturing of new, innovative products. In the future, it may very well bring new jobs to Jalasjärvi”, Viljanmaa notes.
”Jalas superbly complements our business concept: protecting hands and feet from risks at work and during leisure time. The premises for closer co-operation could not be better – Jalas is a superbly managed family-owned company with a market leading brand in its sector. Jalas’ growth strategy is in line with Ejendals’ own development objectives. Combining the resources and expertise of our two organizations will create significant added value to both. The deepening co-operation through this transaction will allow us to strengthen our position in the Nordic countries and speed up our expansion into other international markets”, tells Ejendals CEO, Per-Olof Ejendals.
Urho Viljanmaa Oy – Jalas is a family-owned company established in 1916. The majority of the company’s production comprises work and safety footwear for industry and the service sector. In addition, ski-jumping and orienteering footwear also form part of the product slate. Jalas has tripled its turnover over the last ten years. Exports account for around 65 percent of production. In addition to the Nordic countries, Jalas also operates in Central-Europe, the Baltic countries and Russia. In 2007, the company had a turnover of EUR 36.3 million and 217 employees.
Ejandals AB is a family-owned personal protective equipment company with its head office in Leksand, Central Sweden. In addition to Sweden, the company operates in the other Nordic countries, Germany, the Baltic countries, Great Britain and Poland. In 2007, the company had a turnover of EUR 60 million and 95 employees.
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