“We value VAV’s decades-long history and its strong understanding of residents’ needs,” says our partner Luotea.

Long-standing partnerships are a significant part of VAV’s 40-year history. We have around 80 partners, and we generally put these partnerships out to tender approximately every four years. Three of our partners share their thoughts on our long history. 

J. Holopainen, a family-run business specialising in repairs and renovations , knows VAV’s buildings very well. And no wonder, as our collaboration has continued for decades, dating back to the 1990s.

“We carry out repair work both inside and outside the buildings. There are probably very few VAV properties that we haven’t visited,” say J. Holopainen’s foremen Jarkko and Petri Holopainen.

The company carries out repairs to individual VAV flats and communal areas of the buildings as required.

“If something’s broken, we go and fix it. We refurbish everything from the floors and bathrooms in the flats to the windows, doors and cupboards. We also renovate stairwells and sauna areas,” say Jarkko and Petri Holopainen.

The tasks vary greatly depending on the time of year.

“In winter, we seal windows and balcony doors. In autumn, we deal with water damage caused by autumn storms,” they say.

They point out that their long-standing collaboration with VAV has fostered mutual understanding, so many things are understood without needing to be said. Over the years, VAV’s staff have also become close acquaintances.

“There’s always a certain sense of wistfulness when property managers retire, as we’ve been dealing with them for decades,” Jarkko and Petri Holopainen admit.

What would they like to say to VAV as it turns 40?

“Congratulations, VAV!”

Joint meetings between partners are unique

The property services company Luotea has long been responsible for cleaning VAV’s communal areas in the West Vantaa buildings.

“As a partner, we value VAV’s decades-long history, its strong understanding of residents’ needs and its long-term approach to developing housing. We are developing our operations together with VAV for the benefit of residents,” summarises Piritta Räty, regional manager for cleaning and support services at Luotea.

As part of their cleaning duties, Luotea’s staff help to monitor communal areas. They report any observations relating to the safety and comfort of these areas, such as a burnt-out light in a dark stairwell or items left in the corridor.

Luotea also maintains the courtyards of the buildings.

“We have removed invasive species from the courtyards and planted new plants. The aim is to improve residents’ quality of life and biodiversity,” explains Räty.

He emphasises that cooperation with VAV is open and straightforward. One example of this is the joint meetings held by the partners.

“It has been wonderful, and indeed unique, that VAV brings us partners together for regular meetings. We look ahead together, develop ideas and find solutions,” says Räty.

What does he want to say to VAV as it celebrates its anniversary?

“Warm congratulations. It’s great that we get to work with VAV to build a smooth everyday life for thousands of residents.”

Communication works

IC Siivous has been responsible for cleaning VAV’s communal areas in the buildings in East Vantaa for ten years.

“We ensure the premises are kept clean so that residents are satisfied with the properties. Our collaboration began with cleaning the stairwells, and nowadays we also clean the saunas, laundry rooms and bicycle storage areas,” explains IC Siivous’s managing director Andre Loran.

Last year, flat cleaning was also added to the range of services.

“When a resident moves out, we clean the flats as required. In addition to move-out cleaning, we also carry out deep-clean-up services in flats,” says Loran.

He explains that it is very easy to work with VAV.

“Cooperation and communication work well. That’s why people enjoy working in VAV’s properties,” Loran notes.

A total of 12 staff from IC Siivous look after VAV’s properties. During the major cleaning periods in spring and autumn, there are more staff on hand.

VAV is a particularly important partner for Loran personally, as the company was his very first client.

“This was the first step in my career, the first contract that immediately doubled our turnover,” he recalls.

What is his message to VAV, now that it has reached middle age?

“Growth and prosperity. Vantaa certainly needs growth,” he says with a smile.

The VAV Group’s 40th anniversary will be celebrated across our channels and in our activities throughout the year. Follow our updates!