Locality and authenticity key to achieving a sustainable supply chain

By having the foresight and a far-reaching strategy, Dinolift has mitigated the potentially devastating effects of one of the worst global supply chain crises of our time.

When a gigantic cargo ship blocked the Suez Canal in March 2021, we witnessed how the global supply chain can suddenly come to a halt. The incident meant that thousands of businesses were affected, with goods piling up in storage unable to reach their destination on time, which in turn caused delays and diversions at major transit hubs.

Along with the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability, the blockage unleashed major logistical disruptions, creating a ripple effect around the world. It quickly became apparent that supply chains are extremely vulnerable to a domino effect. The crisis highlighted the ever-increasing need for a clear strategy to bolster resilience regarding importing products and refilling inventor stocks.

Although Dinolift has not managed to escape completely unscathed, it has been evident that the company’s saving grace has been its values deeply rooted in sustainability and locality.

Manufactured in Finland

Throughout its history, Dinolift has focused on its domestic capabilities with products manufactured in Finland and materials are sourced locally whenever possible. In terms of its supply chain, Dinolift favours local and domestic companies when possible, which means the global shortages have affected the company far less than they could have.

IIn addition, it produces a high number of components in-house. Minna Salmi, Dinolift’s Financial and Business Director, says, “In comparison to other companies, our delivery times did not stretch considerably. Because we aren’t reliant on external production due to high degree of in-house production, we have managed to mitigate the negative effects in our production and delivery times.”

IInvesting in a sustainable supply chain is a top priority for Dinolift. A significant aspect of this has been to employ people domestically. Located in Loimaa in southwest Finland, they are a major employer in the region. Over the last ten years, the number of Dinolift employees has doubled; currently employing more than 240 staff.

 "In addition, our employees are diverse, and despite the industry being male-dominated, we employ a lot of women across different levels and roles,” she adds.

Dinolift has managed to adapt to longer delivery times of imported components.
Image credit: Dinolift 

A clear strategy goes a long way

Dialogue and cooperation with suppliers are especially important in challenging times. As such, Dinolift has increased its interaction with stakeholders. As a precaution, the company has also searched for possible alternative suppliers to make the supply chain even more secure.

Despite being in the middle of one of the worst crises to hit business in recent times, Dinolift has fared well – and Salmi believes this is all thanks to the company’s genuine commitment to a sustainable supply chain. Its strategy is proving to have had a lot of foresight, which has benefited customers in times when a crisis could have been imminent.

“We are always looking for ways to serve our customers in the best way possible. For us, focusing on locality and authenticity are key to achieving this. We have been able to prove to our clients that we are reliable and trustworthy, and that is something of which to be very proud.”

According to Minna Salmi, the company's role as a major employer in the Loimaa region is a key sustainability aspect.
Image credit: Dinolift