THE BEGINNING
Loimaan Kivi was founded in 1921. An ambulatory stonemason, Antti Palin (1885–1963) made the decision to start a stoneworks named after himself (Antti Palin Loimaan Kiviveistämö) in the town of Loimaa. Ever since then, the clay-filled region of Loimaa has also been known for its highly skilled stoneworkers. Antti Palin led the company he founded for 37 years.
THE TIME OF MECHANIZATION
When Antti’s sons, Reino and Martti Palin, took over in 1958, they quickly started modernizing the company. In the 1950’s, the stone industry in Finland was facing great changes. It was a time of rapid mechanization, development and growth. Reino Palin was one of the pioneers of the mechanization of the stone industry in Finland, while Martti Palin was a skilled networking and sales expert. An ever-increasing amount of collaboration helped the company grow, and the production diversified from headstones and construction stones to stones used for interior decoration and sculptures.
Loimaan Kiviveistämö, founded by Antti Palin, has grown into an important player in the stone industry at the point when the third generation took over in 1989, when Reino Palin’s son Heikki Palin was appointed CEO.
Loimaan kivi tänään
Mikko Paljakka owns Loimaan Kivi together with Ari Hannula and Risto Pelkonen. The store network includes 15 own stores and a comprehensive retail network throughout Finland. The factories are located in Loimaa and Viitasaari. Loimain Kivi employs 120 people.
In 2013, Loimaan Kivi Oy expanded through a company acquisition, when Uotilan Kivi Oy from Rauma became part of Loimaan Kivi Oy. With the acquisition, Loimaan Kivi Oy’s position in the tombstone market was strengthened.
Loimaan Kivi Oy made the biggest investment in its history in 2014 by buying Suomen Kivivalmiste Oy from Korpilahde and Viitasaari. With the transaction, the company’s position in the natural stone market was further strengthened. In addition to processing operations, Loimaan Kivi Oy also became the owner of four quarries in Central Finland with the transaction.
In 2016, Loimaan Kivi Oy bought the quarry located in Varpaisjärvi from Palin Granit Oy. Varpaisjärvi black/Varpaisjärvi Black diabase confirmed the availability of black stone from Loimaa Kive. Loimaan Kivi Oy currently has a total of seven quarries located in Varpaisjärvi, Viitasaari, Ristijärvi and Korpilahti.
1.1.2024 In order to clarify and improve business operations, Suomen Kivivalmis Oy, Uotilan Kivi Oy and RG Stone Oy merged with their parent company Loimaa Kivi Oy.
”I’ve walked this rocky road with steady steps, always towards something new. I look back with gratitude at the privilege I’ve had of experiencing the industry from so many different perspectives. Now and in the future, I want to see Loimaan Kivi keep growing, so that we also in the future can create everlasting things out of Finnish granite. I look to the future with trust”
– Mikko Paljakka
VALUES
Loimaan Kivi has always been a trailblazer within the stone refinement industry during our entire hundred-year history, and that we intend to be in the future as well. We are the largest player within the industry of hard stone refinement in the Nordics. We are strong proponents of Finnish stone and very proud of our raw material. Being Finnish is a point of pride to us.
Our clients can expect honest and respectful service. Every product we ship is finished and fulfils Loimaan Kivi’s quality goals. Every commission and every client are as important to us as the material, which we have the utmost respect for.
Our competent personnel are always learning new things as the industry changes. We focus on product development and the latest technologies in the industry. At the same time, we also want to foster traditions and traditional work methods. We appreciate the craft.
We wish to help build a sustainable, ecological and ethical world. “Stone lasts forever”, as we say.
Loimaan Kive’s story continues with a strong respect for old values.
