Data center projects boost the growth and development of local businesses – Balanus Oy joins Nebius expansion in Mäntsälä

A demanding project completed on a tight schedule

Jussi Tokola, CEO of Balanus Oy

According to Balanus CEO Jussi Tokola, this is one of the company’s most demanding projects—not due to its size, but because of the exceptionally tight timeline.

"Normally, a similar project would take about a year to complete. Now we need to finish it in just half that time. Fortunately, our Command Base™ system allows us to meet this challenge while ensuring quality and schedule reliability," Tokola explains.

Long-term effort paid off

This contract didn’t happen by chance. Jussi Tokola has been actively networking for years and presenting Balanus’ expertise to various stakeholders, including Nebius.

“We’ve invested in being able to offer speed and quality to our clients. The Command Base™ system allows us to pre-fabricate components in a controlled factory environment and monitor the entire delivery chain in real time – the client can also view progress directly through the system,” Tokola says.

He believes that very few companies in Finland are currently capable of delivering a project of this scale within such a short timeframe.

Local collaboration and employment impact

Balanus has deep roots in Mäntsälä. The company was founded in 1989 by Pekka Tokola, and its current specialization in modular solutions began with a modular laundry facility built for Comforta, also based in Mäntsälä. Collaboration with local partners has been an essential part of the company’s development from the beginning.

The Nebius cooling pipeline project employs not only Balanus’ 17 regular staff but also several other local professionals and businesses. Around 30 people will be involved in different phases of the project. For instance, the plastic sleeves are supplied by local company Arecap, pipe cutting is handled by Avetak, and logistics services are provided by Mäntsälä-based Mikkola Transport. Balanus also works closely with Caverion Finland, which manages other parts of the project.

Strong local benefits

Hannu Laurila, Mayor of Mäntsälä, emphasizes the broader significance of data center investments to the municipality:

"There has been much public debate about whether data center projects truly benefit local communities. The deal announced by Balanus Oy clearly shows that local benefits can be very substantial. Moreover, Balanus serves as a great example of how data center investments can promote innovation and new ways of working – even in more traditional industries."

Mäntsälä – a great place to live and do business

Jussi Tokola praises Mäntsälä as a business location:

"We’re in a fantastic location with quick access in every direction. Everything we need is close by.”

He also values the proactive and collaborative approach of Mäntsälä’s Business Development Services. In addition, Tokola appreciates the quality of life the area offers:

"In Mäntsälä, you’re close to the pulse of the cities, but still enjoy the peace of the countryside. I love living here with my family, spending time in nature, and participating in local events – the Mitä ihmettä spring festival was a great example."

Looking ahead, Balanus’ growth will be further supported by its upcoming in-house laser cutting facility – the only one of its kind in Finland – capable of handling pipes up to DN800 in diameter.

Translated using artificial intelligence.