Marking its 70th anniversary in 2013, Mirka has invested around €3.6 million in the development of an 1800m² technology centre of excellence in Jeppo, Finland, which aims to become internationally recognised for its knowledge and expertise in sanding and finishing systems that deliver profitability and competitive advantage for customers.

Designed to provide product and applications training for customers in the latest sanding and finishing solutions, end users, sales teams and employees will also have the opportunity to participate in generating innovative ideas and executing new developments at the centre through the Mirka Academy.

The two-level, light and spacious technology centre is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as gas-heated paint boxes associated with ATEX (explosive atmosphere) areas and an auditorium with high technology presentation techniques.

Craig Daycock, managing director of Mirka UK, says: “The goal is to have at least 1500 people a year participating in Mirka Academy training courses and workshops. In Mirka’s 70th year, this major investment literally plants a significant marker in the ground that the company will continue to expand its reputation internationally for delivering added-value customer benefits through innovative, premier sanding and finishing technology.”