A wind of change is blowing through Nordic Rescue Group, a corporation specializing in rescue vehicles. Established in 2020, NRG recently appointed Esa Peltola as its new CEO. Earlier this year the company became Europe’s biggest in its field operating under one roof, when it moved its operations into new premises with a surface area covering a total of 10,000 square metres.
Nordic Rescue Group is a corporation comprising three companies. Of NRG’s Finnish companies, Saurus Oy specializes in designing and manufacturing fire engines and rescue vehicles, whereas Vema Lift Oy masters the art of firefighting and rescue platforms. In addition, Swedish fire engine manufacturer Sala Brand AB joined the corporation in the summer of 2021.
CEO appointee Esa Peltola has made a name for himself in the fire and rescue field, having worked in the industry for nearly 46 years. In 1987, Peltola was one of the founders of Vema Lift. ‘I accepted the position of CEO with enthusiasm. I have a vast knowledge of the field and plenty of contacts in it. Naturally, our new products that have recently gone on the market, factored into my decision making,’ Peltola said.
Business development is considered as one of Peltola’s assets. Now, NRG sees internationalizing its products as a worthy challenge to embrace. Each of its companies already holds an international client base, but NRG believes that international trade is an area with even greater possibilities. Already encouraged by positive experience in the continent, entering Asian markets more firmly and dynamically is in NRG’s sights.
‘Urbanization is a trend in Asia. There’s plenty to improve when it comes to the rescue and firefighting field – as is the case with many other areas. We already have a foot in the door, so fortunately, we don’t have to start from scratch,’ Peltola said.
One of the core values of Nordic Rescue Group is keeping its customers satisfied. ‘Our approach is customer-oriented. We operate in the rescue field, where it is integral that you can rely on the equipment. It must be operational around the clock,’ Peltola emphasized.
NRG underlines its top-quality product manufacturing as the basis for its customer satisfaction. One of its most renowned product lines is the F-series, which includes lifts with operating heights from 20 to 90 metres.
‘We can also manufacture combi vehicles, where the tail end of a regular fire engine is fitted with a smaller lift. This enables the same number of people to operate both the fire engine and the lift. Our 20-metre lift is sufficient in a city with low-rise buildings, as it can reach up to the seventh floor,’ Peltola specified.
The ongoing pandemic has left its mark on the rescue vehicle industry, too. Under normal circumstances business negotiations are conducted in person, which has now been nearly impossible.
Peltola said: ‘We have had to do business using remote connections, which is in no way efficient. You need to be able to exhibit the product, so that the end user gets a full understanding of its capabilities. That’s why you need to discuss new features face-to-face.’
Globally, Nordic know-how and craftsmanship are highly considered. CEO Peltola envisions an international future for NRG.
‘I recall seeing statistics indicating that more than 95% of fire engines sold around the world never cross state borders, but instead stay in the country in which they were manufactured. When we’re talking about specialty equipment like the aerial lateral platform, there are only so many facilities in the world producing them that they truly represent the spearhead of international trade in our field,’ Esa Peltola said.
For more information, go to www.nordicrescuegroup.com
