Kesla Plc, an industrial technology company based in Joensuu, Finland, and biathlete Inka Hämäläinen from Kontiolahti are launching a partnership built on strong North Karelian roots, shared values, and a determined pursuit of international excellence.

Success Through Determined Work

Inka Hämäläinen from Kontiolahti is one of the most promising young athletes in Finnish biathlon. Last season, she won two medals at the Junior World Championships and represented Finland at the Olympic Games. Her ambitions are set on the international elite, and achieving those goals requires daily commitment, hard work, and continuous development.

Founded in Joensuu in 1960, Kesla has grown into an internationally operating industrial technology company whose products are used around the world. The partnership is based on a shared belief that sustainable success is achieved through long-term dedication, continuous improvement, and the courage to pursue ambitious goals.

Shared Values Bring Us Together

The aim of the partnership is to support a young elite athlete on her journey toward the top of international biathlon while highlighting the shared values that unite Inka and Kesla: perseverance, ambition, responsibility, and the courage to continuously improve and strive for better results. At the same time, the collaboration tells the story of how strong North Karelian roots can provide a foundation for success on the international stage.

"Despite her young age, Inka has already proven that she belongs among the athletes competing at the highest international level. Her achievements, work ethic and ambition are truly impressive. We see in her many of the same qualities that we value at Kesla: commitment, continuous development and the courage to pursue world-class performance in a highly competitive environment. We are proud to support Inka on her journey from North Karelia towards international success," says Pasi Nieminen, CEO of Kesla Plc.

For Hämäläinen, the partnership is particularly meaningful because of their shared background and values.

"North Karelia is my home and the place that has provided a strong foundation for pursuing my goals. It is inspiring to work with a company that has deep roots in the region while also operating internationally. We share a belief in long-term commitment: success is not built overnight, but step by step, every single day," says Inka Hämäläinen.

Hämäläinen’s Goals for the 2026–2027 Season

For the upcoming season, Inka Hämäläinen aims to complete the full IBU World Cup programme. Her goal is to gain experience at the highest international level while further developing her endurance and race routine. The main target of the season is the IBU World Championships, which will be held in Otepää, Estonia, in February 2027.

A Shared Journey from North Karelia to the World

The partnership will be visible throughout the coming season in social media, events and joint content productions. The first collaboration video will be released together with this press release. Entitled “From North Karelia to the World”, the video introduces the story behind the partnership, the values shared by Inka and Kesla, and the determined work required to achieve international success. The video can be viewed here: Inka Hämäläinen × Kesla | Pohjois-Karjalasta maailmalle. From North Karelia to the World.

The stories of Kesla and Inka demonstrate how international ambitions can be built on a strong local foundation. Kesla's products are used around the world, and Inka is pursuing success on the international biathlon circuit. At the heart of the partnership is a shared message: with strong roots and a commitment to working together, it is possible to strive confidently towards world-class achievement.

Further Information

Kesla Plc
Pasi Nieminen, CEO
Tel. +358 40 901 4401
pasi.nieminen@kesla.com

Image requests: Aleksandra Ihno, Marketing Manager aleksandra.ihno@kesla.com

Picture 1. Kesla’s CEO Pasi Nieminen and biathlete Inka Hämäläinen begin a partnership built on shared roots in North Karelia, determination, and a belief in long-term commitment and hard work. (Kesla factory, Joensuu)

Picture 2. Biathlete Inka Hämäläinen testing a KESLA truck-mounted crane. (Kesla factory, Joensuu)

Picture 3. Kesla’s CEO Pasi Nieminen and biathlete Inka Hämäläinen at the Kesla factory in Joensuu.

Kesla – Your Responsible Partner

Kesla is a responsible partner that develops machinery, technology and services for the sustainable success of its customers, both in and outside the forest. Kesla’s four product groups are: truck and stationary cranes, logging equipment, tractor equipment, and KESLA Defence. In 2025, the Group’s turnover was €34,4 million, of which 53% was attributable to export operations. Established in 1960, Kesla has production facilities in Joensuu, Kesälahti and Ilomantsi as well as a sales office in Appenweier, Germany. Kesla currently employs around 200 people. Kesla’s A series shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. www.kesla.com