Genelec continues sustainable growth with advanced factory expansion

For over four decades Genelec has consistently followed a path of sustainable development and
environmental responsibility, and has made recycled materials, low energy consumption and long
product lifespan central to its design philosophy. The current factory by Porovesi Lake in Iisalmi was
built in 1985 with an architectural design that complements its beautiful natural surroundings, and was
designed to significantly reduce energy wastage through its use of heat recovery and generous
insulation of walls, ceiling and windows. The factory moved from oil to a combination of wind and
hydroelectric energy supply many years ago, and the new extension now brings solar energy to the mix
courtesy of over 450 roof-mounted solar panels which will supply 30% of Genelec’s annual power.

The expansion project was managed by Genelec Development Engineer Annika Hujanen, and provides
almost 2000 sq.m of floor space for warehousing and logistics alone, with considerable additional
space for customer support offices, a centralised automation control centre and efficient waste
processing. In keeping with Genelec’s environmental policies all architects, designers and contractors
were chosen for the project based on both their sustainability credentials and their close proximity to
Iisalmi, resulting in less travel, better material logistics, and reduced waste and CO2 emissions. The
expansion also enables consolidation of Genelec’s external warehouses, offering further improvements
in the efficiency of material flow, lean manufacturing and reductions in waste and power consumption.

Commenting on the project, Hujanen explains:
“We take our responsibilities to the local community very seriously, so we were really excited to see all
the people involved joining forces with us to contribute to the eco-system here in Iisalmi in a sustainable
and innovative way. The work was completed on time, on budget and to a fantastically high standard.
We’re really proud of what the entire team has achieved.”

Genelec Managing Director Siamak Naghian adds:
“For over four decades, total quality and sustainability have been core principles of Genelec’s
philosophy. The company has strategically regarded environmental issues as being equally important as
profitability, and while our consistent growth in business has been the catalyst for this factory expansion, that growth has to be maintained sustainably. Continuing to keep our entire manufacturing
base here in Iisalmi means that we can always guarantee not only the premium total quality of our
products, but also that our entire design and manufacturing process helps to conserve our precious
natural resources.”

About Genelec
Since the founding of Genelec in 1978, professional audio monitoring has been at the core of the
business. An unrivalled commitment to research and development has resulted in a number of
industry firsts and established Genelec as the industry leader in active monitors. Over 40 years later
Genelec monitoring products remain true to the original philosophy, offering reliability, neutral sound
reproduction regardless of size, as well as the ability to adapt to the acoustic conditions of the
listening environment. Genelec customers receive paramount support in the field, from acoustical
advice and calibration services to technical service and long product life span. Buying a Genelec
product is a secure long-term investment in outstanding and reliable audio monitoring.