Kesko Chooses FM Approved Roofing Solution for Major Onnela Project
Kesko has completed the largest construction investment in its history in Hyvinkää, Finland, where a new logistics center was built to serve both Onninen and K-Auto. The massive 85,000 m² facility supports the growth of technical trade and streamlines logistics operations. Suomen Teollisuuskatot was responsible for delivering the FM Approved PVC roofing system, meeting the highest standards in fire safety, weather resistance, and durability.
Risk Management Starts at the Roof – FM Approval for Loss Prevention
In large-scale facilities like Onnela, even minor roof damage can lead to significant business disruptions and financial losses. An FM Approved roof enhances insurability and reduces risks—especially critical in operations where reliability and asset protection are top priorities.
“Suomen Teollisuuskatot was able to provide exactly the kind of roofing structure we were looking for, particularly from a fire safety perspective. FM Approval was a key factor in our decision, as insurance arrangements for a project of this scale are extensive. We wanted to ensure that all materials used meet the requirements of international insurance companies,” says Jouko Räisänen, Construction Manager at Kesko Oyj.
FM Approval is a voluntary but demanding certification focused on real-world risk management and damage prevention. Unlike many other standards, it includes comprehensive testing to verify material performance under extreme conditions.
“FM Global’s system is one of the most rigorous in the industry,” says Tomi Norrby, CEO of Suomen Teollisuuskatot. “It tests the entire roof assembly—from base to surface. The tests cover fire resistance, wind loads, hail and foot traffic durability, water tightness, and aging. Only a few products pass.”
This certification adds significant value to large-scale projects. “It ensures structural safety and insurability in real risk scenarios. FM fire tests are conducted at full scale, which sets the certification apart from many others,” Norrby adds.
Investing in the Future – Onnela Supports Growth and Sustainability
Onnela represents Kesko’s largest single construction investment to date—approximately €300 million. The facility supports the company’s growth strategy and responds to the increasing demands of technical trade. Serving both Onninen and K-Auto, the logistics center improves customer experience, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures product quality.
“The property must be tailored to our needs. Flexibility, expandability, energy efficiency, and low carbon footprint are key features we value. Safety is a fundamental requirement,” Räisänen explains.
The PVC roofing solution supports the project’s goals in multiple ways. “We wanted a long-lasting and lightweight roof structure. The light-colored PVC membrane reflects solar radiation, reducing overheating and cooling energy consumption. Combined with PIR insulation, the structure is lightweight, which minimizes lifting and transport on-site—and thus lowers construction-phase carbon emissions,” Räisänen says.
Sustainability and climate action were central to Onnela’s design, in line with Kesko’s strategy. Environmental values were considered from the zoning phase, with emphasis on biodiversity and lifecycle carbon footprint. Low-carbon materials and energy-efficient solutions were prioritized throughout construction.
“The project was environmentally certified under the BREEAM system, and the achieved level clearly exceeds the ‘Very Good’ threshold. We also applied the EU taxonomy criteria for climate change mitigation, and the carbon footprint was calculated over a 50-year period,” Räisänen notes.
Special attention was given to the thermal insulation and airtightness of the building envelope, which directly affect energy consumption and environmental impact throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Roofer’s contribution to sustainable construction was recognized: “The company develops its solutions in collaboration with suppliers and actively seeks low-carbon, environmentally friendly ways to implement demanding roofing structures,” Räisänen adds.
Roofing Work Completed on Schedule Despite Challenging Conditions
The Onnela logistics center is exceptional in both scale and duration.
“In terms of volume, Onnela was the largest construction site in Finland—about 1.3 million cubic meters. The plot covers 42 hectares, with a total building right of 120,000 m². The first phase included 85,000 m², with an additional 35,000 m² reserved for future expansion. To illustrate the scale, approximately 150 kilometers of driven piles were installed—the roof area alone equals 12 football fields,” Räisänen explains.
Despite its size, the project progressed on schedule. The roofing work was challenged by a snowy winter, but experienced installers, skilled site management, and weather-resistant materials ensured smooth execution without compromising roof performance.
The role of Suomen Teollisuuskatot was praised: “They completed the work on time, and the feedback from our site management was very positive,” Räisänen says.
Onnela will be fully operational in 2026. By the end of 2025, Onnela will take over the functions of Onninen’s current distribution center and several smaller warehouses, consolidating logistics into one efficient hub.
Watch the video featuring Jouko Räisänen (Kesko Oyj) and Tomi Norrby (Suomen Teollisuuskatot Oy) discussing the project and collaboration.
Project Details
Client: Kesko Main Contractor: Haahtela Location: Hyvinkää, Finland Facility: Logistics center for Onninen and K-Auto Roofing Solution: FM Approved PVC roofing system Size: 85,000 m² – equivalent to 12 football fields
Structure:RENOLIT ALKORPLAN F PVC membrane, 20 mm mineral wool layer, 2×110 mm PIR insulation, vapor barrier, supported by TT slabs.
FM Approval is an international certification that guarantees exceptional safety and durability of roofing systems. Granted by FM Global, it is based on extensive testing that simulates real damage scenarios. An FM Approved roof protects assets in demanding conditions and improves insurability.
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Suomen Teollisuuskatot specializes in designing and implementing high-performance flat roofing solutions. With decades of experience and a commitment to continuous development, we deliver reliable, sustainable results for demanding projects.
Kesko completes its largest construction project in history in Hyvinkää – an 85,000 m² logistics hub serving Onninen and K-Auto. Suomen Teollisuuskatot delivered the complete roofing contract for the site. The FM-approved PVC roofing system meets the highest standards in fire safety and long-term durability.
With 30 years of industry expertise, our family-owned business, Suomen Teollisuuskatot, delivers top-notch PVC roofing solutions from start to finish. We offer comprehensive design consultation, specification support, and high-quality execution for both new and refurbishment projects.