Great Responsibility from Small Parts

Salhydro Oy was born from one very practical question: what happens when a small part fails and the entire worksite stops?

Founded in the 1990s • Family business from Nurmijärvi • Over 70 employees

"We deliver what is really needed in the field."Our founder Reijo Salminen saw firsthand how critical small hydraulic components are for excavators, work machines, and industry – and decided to build a company that solves this challenge quickly and reliably.

The Original Dream – A Small, Functioning Company

The dream was originally a small, comfortably running company near the highway – close to large industrial companies and construction firms. Reality grew much larger over the years.

Reijo Salminen had over twenty years of experience in hydraulics imports and sales. The stressful public company routine turned into entrepreneurship when he decided to realize his long-simmering idea of his own company.

The recession had just begun, which kept feet firmly on the ground and made every customer important. Wife Pirkko's regular work as a teacher made it possible for one family adult to focus fully on building the company.

Initially, the company relied on one man. Gradually, helpers were hired, operations began to take shape, and customers became regular. Local production facilities were satisfied when spare parts could be obtained quickly and nearby.

Founder Reijo Salminen in the early years. The dream was "a small, comfortably running company".

Growth Through Difficulties

The company's early journey was not easy. Plot problems, customers bankrupted by recession, and tight finances forced doing things right – the first time.

1990s
Plot Problems and Economic Storm
Challenges surrounded the plot obtained from the municipality and the finished property. At the same time, a deep recession bankrupted about 40% of customers.
Post-recession Years
Forward with Persistence
Despite difficulties, the company pushed forward. After surviving, the work has felt "like a summer vacation" according to Reijo.
1997
First Recognition
Salhydro was awarded a certificate of honor – in recognition of persistent work in the post-recession era.
Now
Medium-sized Player in its Field
The company has grown into one of the medium-sized players in its field, based on its own offices and extensive resale network.

Operations started in 1990 on Kauppanummentie. The first years were full of manual work, long days, and problems to solve – but also new opportunities.

After surviving those years, work has been like a summer vacation.

Reijo Salminenfounder

Family Business – From Father to Sons

Over the years, Salhydro has grown into a genuine family business. Alongside father Reijo, Marko, Mika, and Juha have risen, each with their own strengths.

[Image: Family Business]

Company management – Reijo and his sons – in front of the new headquarters.

Work has been done together for years now, and in recent years the sons have steered the company's operational daily life. Reijo moved from CEO to mentor.

Although work is done together, the family has agreed on one important rule: the Christmas table is protected from work matters. Otherwise, daily life flows smoothly when shared humor, different personalities, and open discussion culture support decision-making.

In a family business, everyone sometimes has to cover for another – boundaries for "own plots" are sometimes blurred, but that's where the flexibility that customers appreciate comes from.

Marko Salminen

CEO

Responsible for overall direction and daily decisions.

MiS

Mika Salminen

sales & IT

IT solutions, systems, and technical product support.

Juha Salminen

marketing & sales support

Responsible for visibility and supporting the sales organization.

Reijo Salminen

founder

Builder of entrepreneurial generation and example of persistence.

Today – Looking to Tomorrow

Today, it's difficult to squeeze Salhydro's operations into one sentence. We import and sell hydraulic parts, pneumatics, industrial hoses, fittings, and maintenance supplies to equipment and machine manufacturers, industry, and heavy machinery repair shops across Finland.

Products are imported from about 200 locations across Europe. As an independent operator, we can offer the market components from different manufacturers – and build assemblies tailored to customer needs.

The latest investments, such as approximately 7,000 square meters of premises in Ilvesvuo and a 24/7 pickup store and central warehouse, enable higher automation levels and more efficient deliveries.

Although the company has grown, the basic idea remains the same: listen to the customer, solve the problem, and deliver what is really needed in the field.

Over 70 employees11 locationsHydromarket stores in Helsinki and KeravaOver 200 suppliers in Europe

The new main warehouse and central warehouse in Ilvesvuo enables higher automation levels and even faster deliveries.