From Hard Work to Innovation
The Story of Hioma
The year 1952 was a momentous one for Finland. Helsinki hosted the Summer Olympics, and Armi Kuusela was crowned the first-ever Miss Universe, bringing international recognition to the country. Amidst this national excitement, three Nymark brothers made a life-changing decision. Having grown up farming in Finland, they had experienced the hardships of unpredictable harvests, often losing crops to rot before they could be sold. Determined to seek a more stable livelihood, they turned their attention to manufacturing.
Their inspiration came from a simple yet persistent problem: while working with saws, they struggled to find grinding wheels to sharpen their blades. The shortage of everything was palpable in the years after the war. Realizing the potential for high-quality resin bond abrasives, they saw an opportunity to create their own. However, manufacturing grinding wheels was no small feat. To develop the necessary expertise, they sought out Dr. Fritz Külpmann, an engineer from Bonn, Germany. Dr. Külpmann traveled to Finland several times, spending extended periods guiding them through the intricacies of abrasive production and qualities and recipes. With his help, the brothers established what would become one of Finland’s leading grinding product companies.
Growth, Family, and Industry Shifts
In the 1960s, the company expanded beyond the wood industry, supplying abrasives to Finland’s heavy industry sector. By the late 1970s, the second generation of the family stepped into leadership, ensuring continuity while embracing new opportunities. During the mid-1980s, Hioma pioneered the development of joint weld grinding products, strengthening its reputation for innovation.
By the 1990s, the company looked beyond Finland’s borders, importing synergy products and entering the rail grinding sector—a move that would define its future. In 2001, Hioma achieved ISO 9001 certification, reinforcing its commitment to quality. Over the years, the company continued to evolve, and in 2013, the third generation of the family took the helm, deepening its focus on the rail industry.
Sustainability and the Future of Rail
As the world transitions toward greener transportation, Hioma has found itself at the heart of a crucial shift. Rail transport is one of the most sustainable modes of mass transit, significantly reducing carbon emissions compared to road and air travel. With an increasing demand for railway maintenance, Hioma’s expertise in rail grinding products has positioned it as a key player in ensuring the efficiency and longevity of modern railway systems.
In 2018, the company further cemented its commitment to quality and sustainability by obtaining ISO 9001 certification in accordance with the updated 2015 standards. This certification reflects Hioma’s ongoing dedication to precision, safety, and environmental responsibility.
From three brothers escaping the hardships of farming to a multi-generational company supporting the transition to sustainable transportation, Hioma’s journey is a testament to Finnish ingenuity and resilience. As the world moves toward greener mobility solutions, Hioma remains committed to shaping the future of rail transport—one grinding solution at a time.