Case Sako: Partnership, Development, and Trust Over Decades

The collaboration between Sako and Meconet is based on a clear, shared vision: the best results are achieved through close partnership. Manufacturability, quality, and rapid product development go hand in hand. For Sako, Meconet is not merely a supplier, but a partner in both design and production — one that adds value from the very first stages of development.

Sako (Suojeluskuntain Ase- ja Konepaja Oy) has, since 1921, built its reputation as one of the world’s most respected manufacturers of rifles and ammunition. The company is particularly renowned for its uncompromising precision and high quality, and today also for its strong focus on automation.

Sako’s operations cover both consumer products and solutions for authorities. Bolt-action rifles, ammunition, and various accessories are internationally recognized products used in hunting as well as in demanding law-enforcement and defence applications. Membership in the Beretta Holding Group provides Sako products with access to global markets and a strong, long-term ownership base.

Quality, precision, and manufacturability lie at the core of Sako’s operations, and it is in these areas that the company deliberately chooses partners rather than mere suppliers.

Partnership Model as a Key Element of Development

The roots of cooperation between Meconet and Sako extend back to the years of the Winter War and the Continuation War. At that time, Meconet—then operating under the name Oy Teräsjousi—supplied springs for Sako’s weapons. This long history is reflected in Meconet’s deep understanding of the critical requirements of Sako’s products and the operating principles of weapon systems.

In recent years, the cooperation has evolved into a deep partnership model, with Meconet actively involved in both design and production optimization. This early involvement is a key element of supplier cooperation for Sako, as it improves manufacturability and shortens product development lead times..

“What matters most to us is not merely the price of the product, but manufacturability, quality, and the ability to add value already at the product development stage. Automation and efficiency are cornerstones of our success. It is most valuable that Meconet can support the manufacturing process and bring perspectives that are not always visible in design alone. We choose partners, not suppliers. Cooperation with Meconet works because they understand our industry and actively participate in developing solutions”, says Heikki Taneli, Strategic Procurement Manager at Sako.

Jointly Designed and Optimized Solutions

Meconet supplies Sako with both sheet-metal solutions and springs. Springs, in particular, are critical components in Sako’s products, as their manufacturability, durability, and quality significantly influence the performance of weapon systems.

“It is a pleasure to be Sako’s partner and to bring our expertise to their use. For us, partnership means that the customer can rely on us at every stage, from design to production. Cooperation is based on openness and trust. When we can communicate directly and honestly, development is fast and efficient. We succeed when our customers succeed,” says Tomi Sutinen, Key Account Manager at Meconet.

Key Factors of the Partnership

The cooperation between Meconet and Sako has been in place for decades. The key factors below describe why the partnership works in practice and why it delivers high-quality, competitive solutions.

• Early product development collaboration: Meconet is involved in design from the earliest stages, helping to identify cost-effective and production-reliable solutions.
• Rapid prototyping and testing: Sako’s designers and Meconet’s production experts can work side by side on solutions directly at the factory, accelerating testing and reducing the number of development iterations.
• Optimization of manufacturability: Design and production progress in parallel to ensure that product quality and cost efficiency meet the demands of global markets.
• Dialogue based on trust: Mutual trust and an open culture of discussion allow development areas and successes to be addressed directly, enabling improvements to be implemented quickly.

Further Information:

Tomi Sutinen

Key Account Manager

+358 40 657 7659

tomi.sutinen@meconet.net