Since last summer, CEO Sami Liponkoski has been steering NMC Cellfoam and now reflects on the successes of 2025, investments, developments in customer work, and key trends for 2026.
Liponkoski’s Christmas and New Year wishes to NMC’s customers and partners come straight from the heart: “Thank you for this past year—you are truly important to us. Let’s keep up the great spirit next year!”
Highlights and Business Achievements in 2025
Liponkoski considers NMC Cellfoam’s greatest achievement to be excellent profitability and growth. “We have grown strongly in the defense industry and successfully introduced kneepads that meet the new standard of the market. Another success relates to the way family-owned companies operate. We have launched promising investment projects and completed several, which build confidence in the future,” Liponkoski explains.
He credits these successes entirely to the skilled personnel. “Our team made this happen. Their courage means pushing forward and believing in what we do,” Liponkoski praises.
Investments and Production Process Development
In 2025, bold steps were taken into new markets. In Sweden, an automated cutting system for foam and cellular plastics was successfully implemented. “It has improved efficiency by up to 80% for these products. The first impression is extremely positive,” Liponkoski describes.
In Finland, investments were made in thermoforming technology for felt and fiber materials. The new equipment enables cost-effective production of highly complex 3D parts from a single piece. The machinery is already ready for small parts, and larger ones will be in production use by the end of 2026. “Customers are so excited that we’ve already received orders,” Liponkoski reveals.
Customer Service and Customized Solutions as a Competitive Edge
NMC Cellfoam’s entire business is based on manufacturing highly customized, customer-specific products. However, changing customer needs reflect a world where uncertainty is the new normal. “Needs are short and sharp, and predictability is quite limited,” Liponkoski notes.
NMC is ready for this challenge. The internal customer relationship management system has been improved, and significant investments have been made in technical support for customers in recent years. “When product development is involved from the start, customers see directly that we are committed and have enhanced our expertise. Reliability and quality—where we truly excel—are things customers value and where we never compromise,” Liponkoski promises.
Looking Ahead to 2026 – Trends, Sustainability, and R&D
Next year, Liponkoski expects growing interest in the new felt and fiber material technology, and in taking 3D expertise from the design table to finished solutions. “We can proudly be the best C-tier supplier with strong R&D capabilities. We want to position ourselves firmly as a provider of specialized solutions,” Liponkoski envisions.
Sustainability is at the core of NMC Group’s strategy. “In 2025, we implemented carbon footprint calculations for all our products, and this proactive approach sets us apart from other players in the industry.” Next, the plan is to introduce Scope 3 carbon footprint labeling, which covers the environmental impact of products throughout their entire lifecycle. “It’s been a positive surprise how much demand there is for this,” Liponkoski adds.
NMC also invests in ensuring employees enjoy coming to work. According to Liponkoski, next year will see even greater focus on safety culture.
