Kuljetus Leppänen Relies on Alucar’s Superstructures

Kuljetus Leppänen’s timber trucks, equipped with superstructures from Alucar, are a familiar sight on the roads of Finnish Lapland. In addition to the superstructures, Alucar’s Rovaniemi branch brings added convenience to their daily operations.

Matti Leppänen’s father founded the transport company Kuljetus Leppänen in 1962. Thus, Matti had the opportunity to ride along in the trucks even as a young boy. Eventually, he followed in his father’s footsteps to become the CEO of Kuljetus Leppänen. Now, Matti’s sons are also involved in the business—Mika in earthmoving and Mikko in timber transport.

The Kittilä-based company hauls timber around Finnish Lapland using seven timber trucks, all of which are equipped with Alucar’s superstructures.

-We have been customers of Alucar for almost 15 years. Durability and lightness are the most important factors for us, so we have been very satisfied with timber trucks built by Alucar. Additionally, we have always received spare parts with short delivery times, Matti praises.

Lapland Weather Brings Challenges

Although Leppänen’s trucks are quite similar in terms of their superstructures, Lapland’s weather conditions have required some special solutions.

-For example, one of our trucks has been equipped with a center-mounted scraper for years, which we use for plowing and roughening the road. Last year, we ordered a new truck to replace the old one, and Alucar manufactured the superstructures with the scarper as well, Matti explains.

Matti’s son Mikko shares that the often challenging weather conditions in Lapland add extra spice to the work.

-After my military service, I became interested in timber hauling. In this job, you work and drive independently. The varied weather here in Lapland keeps the job challenging and prevents boredom. Now, I’ve been involved in my father’s business for 14 years, doing both traffic coordination and driving, Mikko shares.

The Newest Truck Arrived in April

Leppänen’s newest timber truck, ordered for Mikko’s use, arrived in Lapland in April 2023.

-This is my third truck, and each one has been equipped with Alucar’s superstructures. We have always received reliable packages from Alucar; they consider our requests, and the price-quality ratio is good. This time, we wanted a wider grapple rack, but otherwise, we went with the same tried-and-tested package as before, Mikko explains.

-I also think the visual aspect is important—the bunks should be customizable and the right color. Naturally, they also need to maintain their appearance over time. These wishes have always been fulfilled by Alucar, he adds.

Smooth Transactions in Rovaniemi

The long-lasting collaboration between Alucar and Leppänen became even smoother after Alucar opened its branch in Rovaniemi in the fall of 2022. For example, Leppänen’s drivers have handled matters related to the service of superstructures and hydraulics there.

-Previously, we handled all service and repair work ourselves in our own garage. The new branch, which is relatively close to Kittilä, has significantly facilitated our work. Additionally, two of our trucks operate out of Rovaniemi, so handling matters there is particularly quick for them, says Matti.