Valmet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Valmet (originally Valtion Metallitehtaat - State Metalworks) was formed in 1951, when the state of Finland decided to group their various factories working on war reparations to the Soviet Union under one company. Valmet and the factories fused with it produce a wide array of products including aeroplanes, auto- and locomotives, weapons manufacturing and everyday household appliances. Numerous parts of the company have since been sold or merged with other companies specializing in their own fields of trade and manufacture. Valmet itself is now a brand of Metso corporation.
Valmet Automotive is a mechanical production company in Uusikaupunki, Finland, producing automobiles and vehicles for other manufacturers, including:
- Saab Automobile (up to 2003)
- Porsche from 1997-
- Lada (AutoVaz)
- Talbot
- Opel - Calibra
- Ecobus - integral low-entry midibus, demonstrator ready in 1994, series production did not materialize
The automobile production company was founded in 1968.
Tractors have been produced by Valmet, both in Brasil and Finland. The brand name now in use is Valtra. The tractor business, though still located in Finland, is owned by AGCO.
The firearms most notably developed by Valmet include the Rk 62 and M82. A line of military trainer aircraft for the Finnish Air Force developed and manufactured by Valmet include the L-70 Vinka and L-90 Redigo.
Other notable products are paper mill machinery and process control equipment. Valtion tykkitehdas produced artillery pieces for the Finnish Army among with Tampella AB industries. After WW II production switched to paper mills.
Valmet dockyards were merged with Wärtsilä yards to form Wärtsilä marine. After the bankruptcy the company re-emerged as Aker Finnyards Masa Yards.
