The Ice Hockey Arena: A New Era of Riku Kallioniemi
The world of ice hockey constantly evolves, and the latest developments have seen the former CEO of the Finnish SM-liiga , Riku Kallioniemi, diving deep into the sports arena business. Currently, Kallioniemi is engaged in selling hockey rinks and other associated products, showcasing the dynamic nature of transitions in a sports executive’s career.
The Globen reopened in February after a renovation lasting over a year.
Pasi Liesimaa
Major Renovations and Partnerships
The Avicii Arena in Stockholm, where the Ice Hockey World Championships took place, underwent a substantial renovation costing over 90 million euros . This extensive update included the installation of a hockey rink supplied by the Finnish company Vepe-Icepro , which has created job opportunities for nearly 50 employees in Tuusula and Oulais . The company’s primary factory is located in Oulais, ensuring quality and efficiency in production.
Kallioniemi, the current CEO of Vepe-Icepro, previously held noteworthy positions in the SM-liiga and with Lappeenrannan SaiPa . He acknowledges the collaborative effort behind securing contracts but emphasizes the essential role of his sales team in achieving these milestones.
Growth and Expansion
Vepe-Icepro is not just a manufacturer of hockey rinks; they also produce spectator areas and changing room equipment . The company reported a revenue of approximately 12.4 million euros last year, reflecting a growth of over 2.8 million euros compared to the previous year. Kallioniemi asserts that the company is on a pathway of continued growth, aimed predominantly at international markets, particularly in North America . Although competition is fierce, he believes that their products and customer satisfaction speak volumes.
A Unique Business Model
Formed in June 2023, Vepe-Icepro emerged from the merger of two traditional manufacturers, Vepe Oy and Icepro Oy . This new entity aims to leverage the strengths of both parent companies, offering a combination of rich experience and innovation in ice rink manufacturing.
Former league executive Riku Kallioniemi started his new role just over a year ago.
Tomi Natri / AOP
Attention to Detail
An interesting aspect of Vepe-Icepro’s offering is their flagship model, which employs LED panels on hockey rinks. However, these LED rinks are still scarce across the globe. For the Avicii Arena , a “traditional” rink was installed, complemented by suites and protective barriers commonly referred to as plexiglass . Kallioniemi highlights that every rink has unique requirements regarding dimensions, surrounding structures, and the access points for ice machines . This customization demands significant planning and project management to ensure each rink meets the specific demands of the venue.
A Legacy of Excellence
Vepe-Icepro has carved out a profitable niche, achieving a profit of just over 320,000 euros in the last fiscal year. Kallioniemi emphasizes the importance of the company’s long-standing history in the industry, proudly stating that they have been manufacturing rinks for over fifty years , creating more than 4,000 rinks worldwide. However, each project presents new challenges, and proving reliability to clients remains a top priority for the firm.
As Kallioniemi and Vepe-Icepro move forward, they aim to not just participate but excel in the competitive landscape of sports infrastructure, particularly in ice hockey , showcasing the remarkable potential of Finnish innovation and craftsmanship in the global market.