A Small Flag with a Big Meaning
Herrmans Bike Components Earns the Finnish Key Flag Symbol – Avainlippu
The Finnish Key Flag (Avainlippu) isn’t just about where a product is made—it’s about how it’s made. It stands for Finnish craftsmanship, ethical working conditions, and a commitment to sustainability—values that matter to those who want to make a conscious choice when they buy.
For us, this mark is a recognition of the way we’ve always worked since 1959: producing durable, high-quality products in Finland, for bike lovers worldwide who value both reliability and responsible production.
Staying Sustainable and Competitive on the Global Stage
At Herrmans, sustainability is built into everything we do. By prioritizing recycled and bio-based materials and investing in automation, we ensure that our components are not only high quality but also readily available and give the best value for money.
By working with local suppliers and responsible manufacturing practices, Herrmans offers durable bike components with a personal touch—something that customers across Europe appreciate.
Joel Kaitfors, Production & Supply Chain Director, highlights the significance of this certification: “Producing in Finland matters—not just to us, but to our customers in the Nordics and across Europe. Finnish-made products stand for quality, and that’s something the market recognizes and values.”
From Small Tweaks to Significant Improvements
Despite recent challenges in the biking industry post-pandemic, Herrmans remains committed to strengthening local production and maintaining high quality.
“The past few years have been tough, but we’re still here, right? We’ve made over 300 improvements—everything from smarter tools for handling components to major enhancements in injection molding, reducing waste by several percentage points. These improvements are key to ensuring that Finnish-made components remain a strong option in the future – helping us move forward even through tough industry shifts,” Joel highlights.
Why Finnish-Made Matters
For consumers, the Avainlippu symbol adds credibility. Tina Gäddnäs, Key Account Manager, explains:
“As a consumer, when I see two similar products on a store shelf, the one with Avainlippu stands out. It tells me this product is made responsibly, with high standards and care—things I trust and want to support in the long run.”
From a market standpoint, Avainlippu provides a competitive edge. Tina elaborates on how Finnish B2B customers perceive the certification:
“There was a demand from distributors for the certification. Many want to choose locally produced products if possible. But it’s not just about being locally produced; Finnish products are known for quality, and people trust them. Plus, being made in Finland means shorter transport distances and Finnish labor.”
Balancing Quality, Sustainability & Trust
“Providing jobs for our local people not only strengthens the economy and employment within the country but also ensures that our products are safe and meet our high-quality standards,” Tina states.
Looking ahead, she believes Herrmans will continue to play an essential role in the bicycle industry, both nationally and internationally. However, finding the right balance between pricing and environmental considerations remains key. “When I meet customers, I see that it’s important to keep bicycles affordable, especially given the current economic climate. We need to emphasize our local identity and strong values while developing cost-efficient solutions. The reality is that sustainable materials are often still more expensive, making it a challenge to align with price expectations for many models. It’s a fine balance to maintain.”
Interestingly, Avainlippu may even have an impact outside of Finland. “Even today, we still get asked whether our products are truly made in Finland—customers hesitate to believe it. Having this label serves as proof of our credibility and sustainability. It strengthens our brand by confirming that we manufacture in Finland. It’s about trust,” Tina adds.
Next time you see that little flag on a product, remember—it stands for something bigger. It is a commitment to quality, responsibility, and a future we can all feel good about.
