From a family business into an international enterprise

When Antti Palin (1885-1963), a travelling stonemason, decided to establish a company of his own, he started what is now known as the Palin Group. In the course of the decades, the Group has become an international player. The company, established in 1921, initially operated under the name Antti Palin Loimaan Kiviveistämö.

In 1958, when Antti Palin had managed his company for 37 years, it was time for him to step down. He was succeeded by his sons Reino and Martti Palin, who already had acquired experience of the business for more than ten years.

At the time of this change of generation, in the 1950s, the stone business in Finland was facing great changes. The years of rapid mechanisation, development and construction had begun. Reino Palin was one of the pioneers in mechanising the business, whereas Martti Palin was a natural talent in customer relations and sales. Their cooperation promoted the development of the company, and the range of products extended from tombstones and construction stones to stone for interior design and sculpture.

The company's strong growth continued throughout the 60's, 70's and 80's. Loimaan Kiviveistämö, a company that Antti Palin had established, grew into the Palin Group, which has since 1989 been steered by the third generation of the Palin family. As Reino Palin's son Heikki Palin was appointed Managing Director, he too had been working for the company for almost ten years.

Heikki Palin has promoted the company's growth by expanding its quarry operations. Today, Palin Granit Oy with its 12 quarries is one of the largest granite quarriers in the Nordic countries, and Loimaan Kivi, a part of the same Group, is a leading granite refinery.

In 1999, the Palin Group was granted the respected Entrepreneur of the Year award for its sustained activities in the stone business.