In just five years, Tapojarvi’s workforce has nearly doubled. The company now operates in four countries and has 15 locations. In 2024 alone, Tapojarvi received over 1,800 job applications, marking a 70% increase from the previous year.
“We are proud to offer stable jobs, especially in Lapland, where they are greatly needed,” says Mari Pilventö, Acting CEO.
The Tapojarvi Group currently employs 402 people in the Lapland region, of whom 366 work for Tapojärvi Oy. This makes the company one of the largest private employers in Lapland.
“I was working in Sotkamo as a laboratory technician when my teacher recommended Tapojarvi to me. I looked into the company and became interested right away,” says Venla Miettunen, now a sample technician at the Tornio concentrator.
A Giant Leap in Five Years
Tapojarvi’s rapid growth has been driven by international expansion, larger contracts, and increased investment in mining services and industrial circular economy solutions. Despite the swift rise in headcount, one-third of the workforce has been with the company for over five years.
According to Janne Alatalo, Director of Administration, Tapojarvi stable financial situation, long-term employment relationships, and opportunities for internal mobility – both domestically and abroad – are key factors in maintaining employee retention.
“Being a good employer means constantly listening, learning, and evolving,” Alatalo summarizes.
Supporting Industry for 70 Years
There is a nationwide shortage of heavy machinery mechanics in Finland, especially in the north. Tapojarvi is addressing this challenge by developing its own training programs and strengthening collaboration with educational institutions.
“There are no quick fixes to the skills shortage, but training and long-term partnerships are powerful tools. We are also investing in how new employees are welcomed and supported in becoming versatile professionals,” says Alatalo.
In October 2025, Tapojarvi will celebrate its 70th anniversary. What began as a one-person business has grown into an international group dedicated to promoting sustainable industry through innovative mining and circular economy services that maximize resource efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
Tapojarvi Group
- Founded: 1955, Finnish family-owned company
- Sectors: Mining and industrial services, industrial circular economy
- Sites: 15 locations across four countries
- Employees: Over 1,000 (as of 2025)
- Growth: Workforce nearly doubled in 5 years
- Applications in 2024: Over 1,800 (+70% vs. 2023)
- Core expertise: Mining services, process optimization, circular economy solutions
Right Place, Right Time: Venla’s Journey to Tapojarvi
When Venla Miettunen from Kemi started her first day at Tapojarvi’s Tornio concentrator, she had no idea she would become the company’s 1,000th employee.
“I was sure there were maybe 800 employees, so I laughed when I was told mid-shift that I was actually number one thousand. What a coincidence!” Venla says with a smile.
Venla, a trained laboratory technician, previously worked in Sotkamo. Her journey to Tapojarvi began with a teacher’s recommendation.
“I sent an open application, and I was lucky to get a job at Tapojärvi.”
She’s had a very positive first impression:
“The onboarding has been great and very thorough. There’s still a lot to learn, which makes the job interesting. Having different workstations also brings nice variety.”
Venla hopes for a supportive and encouraging work environment, with opportunities to grow and learn. She appreciates the long-term career potential Tapojarvi offers.
What inspired you to become a lab technician in the industrial field?
“I’m good at chemistry, math, and physics, and lab work has always fascinated me. Growing up in Kemi, I’ve seen how important industrial jobs are to the area, so working in this field feels natural.”
Venla values the stability and good pay offered in the industrial sector and plans to continue developing her career:
“I hope I’ll still be working here in five years – and continuing my studies alongside. I want to grow professionally.”
Having previously done travel-based work, she is now happy to be based close to home.
“It feels great to be able to stay in my hometown and spend more time with family and friends.”
