Precision Component Production for the World’s Engine Manufacturers
In the manufacturing of demanding machined components, precision is of the utmost importance. Maintaining this precision requires advanced quality control, appropriate equipment, and smooth collaboration with the equipment supplier. For Purso-Tools, a long-standing partner in measurement devices and services has been Mitutoyo.
Purso-Tools Oy, located in Pori on the west coast of Finland, is globally recognized as a manufacturer of heavy-duty camshafts and connecting rods. The company’s customers include engine manufacturers and applications for engines in ships and power plants.
Purso-Tools is the world’s largest producer of camshafts for heavy industry and, in its sector, one of the few of its kind, especially in Europe.
“Camshafts and connecting rods are critical engine components, and traditionally engine manufacturers have preferred to produce them in-house. However, things have changed. A lot of factors must be in place, and manufacturers’ trust must be earned in order to become part of their production chains,” says Mika Aerikkala, Production Manager at Purso-Tools.
Controlled Quality
Purso-Tools Oy has been steadily building its position since the mid-1990s. Today, the company manufactures camshafts for nearly all major engine manufacturers. Its well-known customers include Wärtsilä, MAN, Bergen Engines (Rolls Royce), Bosch, and Caterpillar.
The company’s success in global competition—even against in-house production by engine manufacturers—is built on strong specialization, cost efficiency, and the ability to manage large and complex product portfolios.
Uncompromising quality management is an absolute prerequisite for success. "When we talk about quality management, we are at the very core of our operations. In the production of connecting rods and camshafts, we deal with tolerances measured in thousandths of a millimeter. Not a single defective part can be sent to a customer," says Mika Aerikkala.
At Purso-Tools, quality management methods have evolved as customer requirements have grown, and the number of inspections has increased year by year. Investment in quality and its continuous maintenance is an ongoing process at the company. Purso-Tools’ commitment to quality is demonstrated by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications.
In addition, the company holds customer approvals for supplying components to nuclear power plants.
From a Single Source
Quality is a necessity—ensured in practice by modern measurement technology. Purso-Tools’ long-standing technology and service partner in the field of measurement has been Mitutoyo. The collaboration began in the early 2010s.
At that time, Purso-Tools was looking for a new coordinate measuring machine and found the right solution in Mitutoyo, which had recently made significant investments in its Finnish operations. "Purso-Tools was one of the very first customers of our Finnish office, and the purchase was immediately a major one. The Mitutoyo Crysta Apex 163012 was, for a long time, the largest coordinate measuring machine we had delivered to Finland," says Harri Salmi, Country Manager of Mitutoyo.
This purchase marked the beginning of a partnership that has taken many forms over the years. "Previously, we used technology from several different suppliers. Now, we have practically focused on this one brand—Mitutoyo," says Mika Aerikkala.
Purso-Tools currently operates three large Mitutoyo coordinate measuring machines: Crysta Apex 163012, Crysta Apex 122010, and the latest addition, Crysta Apex 574.
"All of these machines use the same measurement head and probe options, making them easily interchangeable in our operations. The larger machines are equipped with the motorized indexing probe head we value highly. It adds dynamic capability and speed to the measurement process. Compared to fixed straight probe heads, the difference in performance is significant—this was a key factor in our investment decision," Aerikkala explains.
Practical Usability
In addition to its three coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), Purso-Tools utilizes a wide range of other Mitutoyo equipment, including surface roughness testers and handheld measuring instruments. More demanding surface roughness measurements—such as waviness analysis—are carried out in the metrology room using a software-driven Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-500P. Data management, collection, and analysis are handled with Mitutoyo’s MeasurLink software.
At Purso-Tools, the advanced technology in Mitutoyo machines and instruments is highly valued. For larger machines, key features include dynamic performance and high measuring speed. Yet, in today’s world, usability plays a central role—and often it’s the very factor that differentiates products from various manufacturers.
“What we appreciate in Mitutoyo’s machines and software is their practical usability. It makes the everyday work of our operators smooth and enjoyable,” explains Mika Aerikkala.
“Professional full-service support is also essential. Fast response times and service speed are especially important. With Mitutoyo, everything has run smoothly—the service is professional, reliable, efficient, and friendly.”
The consistent accuracy of the machines and instruments is ensured through calibration agreements with the equipment supplier. “This way, we always have calibrated machines in use,” Aerikkala adds.
Customer at the Center
While the world may be in turmoil, Purso-Tools is experiencing a period of strong growth. Global demand for high-quality engine components is increasing rapidly. As a result, the company’s annual turnover has grown from around €12.5 million to €15.5 million over the past couple of years, and this year’s revenue is projected to reach €19.5 million.
To meet this growing demand, Purso-Tools is expanding its operations by acquiring new machining technologies and increasing its production space with the addition of a new production hall. There's also a growing need for skilled professionals—currently, the company employs 65 people, and ongoing recruitments are expected to bring that number close to 100.
Mitutoyo, Purso-Tools’ partner in measurement technologies, is also committed to continuous development with a customer-first approach.
“Customer service is absolutely central to us. Every day, we do our utmost to ensure our customers are satisfied. We serve with high-level engineering expertise, allowing our customers to get the full benefit of their investments,” says Harri Salmi.
Having grown significantly in Finland in recent years, Mitutoyo recently relocated its Pirkkala office near Tampere to newly built, spacious, and light-filled premises. The size of the new facility nearly doubled, and its showroom in Linnakallio now showcases a wide variety of measurement machines and instruments. The facility also offers contract measurement services, including access to the ultra-precise Strato-Apex 9106 coordinate measuring machine in its metrology room.
At the same time, cooperation between Purso-Tools and Mitutoyo continues. Quality management remains a core focus—today and into the future.