Celebrating 45 Years of Innovation in Surface Treatment

Galvatek, Finnish entity of John Cockerill’s Surface Treatment Business Line celebrates its 45^th   anniversary in 2025. Company was founded 1980 after Finnish home appliance manufacturer UPO decided to privatize its engineering department and Galvatek was born.

Trusted Surface Treatment Expertise Since 1980

The success achieved over the decades has been driven by continuous product development and strategic expansion into new markets – both geographically and across diverse industries. In early years at 1980s Galvatek supplied automated electroplating and anodizing lines mainly to other Nordic countries but also to Soviet Union until end of the decade. In 1990s aluminum and aviation industry plant deliveries became significant area of operation. Since the early 2000s, aerospace industry facilities have become Galvatek’s most prominent area of expertise. With over four decades of experience, Galvatek holds the world’s most extensive track record in delivering fully automated surface treatment plants on a global scale.

In recent years, the defense sector has emerged as a significant area of growth for Galvatek. While continuing to serve the aviation industry in defense sector, Galvatek has also expanded its expertise to support manufacturers of firearms and ammunition. Currently, three phosphating line projects for artillery shell production are in the delivery phase. With an order backlog at a historic high and over €30 million in new orders secured in the past eight months alone, Galvatek is experiencing unprecedented momentum. Recent decisions by the European Union and NATO to boost defense budgets further strengthen the outlook. Investments in expanding defense production capacity are expected to continue at least through 2030 – positioning Galvatek for sustained success in the years ahead.

Operating Model Change

Our Surface Treatment Business Line has now operated under a functional organizational model for just over a year. Local Operating Centers in China, Finland, France, and Poland have been unified under a single structure, where teams such as Sales, Project Management, Technology & Engineering, and Supply Chain now operate based on their functional roles rather than geographical location.

This transformation enables a broader global product offering by leveraging the strengths of our established brands – Galvatek and Sleti. By integrating these brands, we capitalize on their rich histories and long-standing customer relationships to enhance our market presence and deliver greater value worldwide.

Stronger Together – Celebrating 45 Years of Innovation in Surface Treatment

Galvatek has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Today, we’re proud to have nearly sixty talented professionals together based in Finland and Poland. This expansion has happened so quickly that many of our colleagues haven’t yet had the chance to meet in person.

That’s about to change. In September 2025, we’re bringing our entire team together for a special event designed to strengthen our connections and celebrate our journey. The program includes interactive workshops in smaller groups as well as full-team sessions, giving everyone the opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and get to know one another better.