Mectalent deepens its expertise in the defense industry by appointing Aleksi Heikkilä as its Defence Advisor.
Starting in early 2025, Mectalent is strengthening its expertise in the defense industry by welcoming Aleksi Heikkilä as a Defence Advisor. Heikkilä brings extensive experience and a wide network from the defense industry and the armed forces to Mectalent.
Heikkilä holds a Master of Military Sciences degree and has served in the Finnish Defense Forces as an officer. Since 2006, he has worked in the private sector in roles related to security and defense industries. Through his career, he has built strong networks with organizations in the defense industry, armed forces, and Finland’s national security of supply system. He possesses a deep understanding of the market, its requirements, and its needs. Mectalent anticipates that Heikkilä will provide fresh perspectives, profound insights, and critical connections in the defense sector.
Heikkilä’s primary role is as Sales Director at Image Wear Oy, Finland’s leading manufacturer of workwear. He will consult Mectalent through his company, Defaku Oy.
Mectalent aims to grow in the defense industry over the coming years. The company’s specialized expertise in product development, innovation, and precision mechanics serves as a strong foundation for establishing itself as an even more sought-after partner for the defense sector. Heikkilä’s involvement further strengthens the company’s know-how and networks.
“In summer 2024, during discussions with Mectalent’s Sales Director Matti Ojala, the market situation in the defense industry and Mectalent’s potential were highlighted,” Heikkilä explains about his journey to this new role.
According to Heikkilä, developments in the geopolitical security situation in recent years, Finland’s NATO membership, and Europe’s increased focus on readiness have driven growing demand for specialized expertise in the sector. In Finland, there is now a particular need for domestic production as well as design and innovation capabilities.
“Mectalent is a pioneer in product development, precision mechanics, and advanced equipment manufacturing. I firmly believe that Mectalent’s capabilities and capacity have much broader applications in the defense industry,” Heikkilä states.
Heikkilä also highlights Mectalent’s design expertise and its location in Oulu, Northern Finland, as advantages in the defense industry. According to him, domestic production is a significant asset in the defense and security sectors and strongly supports Mectalent’s goal of expanding its customer base in the field.
Heikkilä served until the end of 2024 as chairman of the textile and equipment committee within Finland’s security of supply organization, giving him deep insight into supply security issues. “In Finland, we have a globally competitive security of supply system, where businesses are integrated into the emergency preparedness framework through the security of supply organization,” Heikkilä notes.
Mectalent has long worked with customers in the defense industry, manufacturing various parts and components for them. The company aims to strengthen its position and expand its customer base in the defense industry in the coming years.
Heikkilä sees Mectalent’s goals as very realistic. The growing demand for domestic expertise in the field offers significant growth potential. Maintaining domestic production capacity and expertise is a critical part of Finland’s security of supply, and there is a willingness to invest in it. This creates strong demand for reliable domestic players like Mectalent.
Contact for more information
Matti Ojala, Sales Director, Mectalent, +358 20 7419 404, matti.ojala(at)mectalent.com
About Mectalent
Mectalent is a leading expert in product development, precision mechanics, and advanced equipment manufacturing. We are a trusted and long-standing partner for the defense industry, serving as a contract manufacturer for some of the most prominent players in the sector for many years. We design and manufacture tailored, high-quality solutions for our clients, ranging from individual components to highly advanced equipment assemblies.
In the defense industry, precision components—characterized by high dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances—are utilized in radar and communication systems, weapon systems, drones, and missiles.
Our work is guided by certified quality management systems, including ISO 9001 and ISO 13485. In the defense and aerospace industries, we also adhere to AQAP 2110 and EN 9100 standards.
>> Read the blog: Precision parts are essential in defense systems manufacturing