When a family business has been built over more than 50 years, major decisions are never taken lightly. Niilo Mäkinen, CEO of Kylmäset Oy, has grown with the company quite literally, from the worksite to the managing director’s office. That is why joining Cervi was more than a business transaction. It was the next chapter in a story that began in 1969.
From the worksite to CEO
Kylmäset’s story began in 1969, when Niilo’s grandfather founded the company. In its early years, the business focused on household appliance repairs, but it soon found its direction in refrigeration technology, a field in which the company continues to operate today.
Over the decades, responsibility passed from one generation to the next. In the early 1990s, leadership transferred to Niilo’s father during a period marked by Finland’s economic recession. Challenging years taught the family resilience and perseverance. Later, Niilo’s mother also became involved in the business, keeping the company firmly in family hands.
Niilo’s own connection to the company started early. Work experience placements at school introduced him to the business, and before long he was spending summers alongside the company’s technicians. Entrepreneurship was never a predetermined path. Instead, it grew naturally through hands-on work, vocational training as a refrigeration technician, and later further qualifications that gradually led to greater responsibility and eventually to leading the company.
“I have seen every stage of this company’s journey, from trainee to CEO.”
A decision driven by people, not numbers
Over the years, Kylmäset received several approaches regarding acquisitions, but none felt quite right. As a family business, the company had developed its own way of working, and there was no desire to give that up without careful consideration.
That changed in late summer 2023, when discussions with Cervi began. The first meeting left a strong impression, not because of numbers or deal structures, but because of the people involved and a shared outlook on how business should be done.
“We immediately felt that these were people who shared our way of thinking.”
The decision was not made in haste. During the autumn, the opportunity was carefully evaluated from many different angles before everything started to feel clear. In February 2024, Kylmäset became part of the Cervi Group. Looking back, Niilo feels that trusting his instincts was the right choice.
Everyday operations remained the same, but opportunities expanded
One of the key questions before joining Cervi was what would happen to Kylmäset’s daily operations and identity. In practice, everyday work has remained much the same. The company continues to focus on what it does best, in the same way as before.
The difference lies in what is now possible. A good example is a joint customer project delivered together with fellow Cervi company Vakkakylmä for a meat processing customer operating in two regions. Neither company could have delivered the full solution alone, but together they were able to meet the customer’s needs.
At the same time, opportunities for collaboration that once seemed distant have become reality.
“Ideas about collaboration that once felt like distant possibilities have now become everyday reality.”
From working alone to having a community of peers
Perhaps the biggest change has not been related to individual projects but to the experience of entrepreneurship itself. Where many decisions were once made alone, there are now colleagues and fellow entrepreneurs to discuss ideas with and seek advice from. The support is not something separate from everyday work. It is part of it.
“As an independent entrepreneur, you are often on your own. Now I am not.”
This is reflected in practical ways as well. Monthly reporting has brought greater structure and transparency, while decision-making is increasingly supported by data. Major contract negotiations benefit from broader expertise, and business opportunities can be evaluated from a wider perspective. Shared procurement and support services have also created advantages that would be difficult for a single company to build alone.
Growth without losing identity
Before joining Cervi, one of the biggest concerns was whether Kylmäset would lose its identity as part of a larger group. The experience has been quite the opposite.
Kylmäset has remained true to itself, while gaining the support of a stronger network. The company’s culture and way of working have not disappeared. Instead, they have been reinforced by additional resources and new opportunities.
“We have not disappeared into a faceless organisation.”
Looking ahead, together
When Niilo talks about the future, his tone is calm and confident. The decision has been discussed many times within the family since joining Cervi, and the conclusion remains the same: it was the right choice.
Cervi’s operations are built around three core areas: refrigeration, energy, and ventilation. For Niilo, this clear focus is one of the Group’s strengths. Success does not require doing everything. It comes from concentrating on what you do best.
In the end, the change is simple but meaningful. Entrepreneurship is still very much his own, but he no longer has to do it alone.
“We are moving forward, and we are doing it together.”