Certified ceilings for
shipbuilding
by: ARI MONONEN photos: KARI PALSILA / MS COSTA SMERALDA
The specialised manufacturing company Lautex
provides ceilings – metal panels, cassettes, gratings,
High-grade furniture for
the cruise ships
by: ARI MONONEN
photos: MEIN SCHIFF 1, LAVEA MEDIA
Established in 1988 and located in Lahti in southern
Finland, Pedro Ltd is a leading manufacturer of
specialised furniture for ship installations and other
and decorative profiles – for the shipbuilding and
construction industries, offering a wide variety of fire-
resistant and also customised solutions.
A
pproximately 80 percent of Lautex’s products are manufac-
tured for use in the shipbuilding industry, to be installed
mainly aboard cruise ships.
According to Mr. Jukka Vappula, Managing Director for Oy
Lautex Ab, the company’s turnover is on the increase.
”In 2019, our turnover was 12 million euros, which is some
demanding applications. 30 percent higher than in the previous year,” he says.
F and Sandwich ceiling panels for B-15 -class.
or more than 30 years, Pedro Ltd has been known for com-
bining Scandinavian design, high quality, and sustainable and
ecological manufacturing principles.
The company’s newest product innovations include LTX-340
”They are light weight and 0-join, screwless, with acoustic
properties, and can be opened with no need for hatches.”
”We manufacture furniture for ships – luxury cruisers in par- ”The Sandwich panels have a maximum span of 2.8 metres,
ticular – but also for land-based applications,” explains Mr. Juha with a height of just 32 millimetres. Such panels are ideal for space-
Lehtonen, CEO for Pedro Ltd. saving onboard installations,” Mr. Vappula suggests.
”Currently, we have started product deliveries for the ’Mardi ”Both types of panels have been utilised in the construc-
Gras’ cruise ship ordered by Carnival Cruises, scheduled for deliv- tion of the Costa Smeralda, the latest cruise ship manufactured
ery in October 2020.” by Meyer Turku shipyard.”
The ’Mardi Gras’ is a 350-metre vessel, capable of carrying
more than 5,000 passengers. The ship will be equipped with the-
atres, restaurants and show lounges.
”Typically, we deliver customised pieces of furniture designed
by architects. In addition to upholstered furniture with metal
frames, ships will need armchairs, bar stools, benches, sofas,
and integrated TV and display screens. Designers are looking for
unique and high-grade solutions for the interiors.”
According to Mr. Lehtonen, shipbuilding is a world of its
own, requiring specialised know-how – and the right attitude.
”Product quality is essential. Knowledge of fire-resistant
The new types of metal panels can also be used for refur-
bishing and building construction applications.
Recently, Lautex has invested in new high-tech edging, shap-
ing and perforating machines, as well as glue-joint presses, and
performed the latest update at a paint shop.
”New personnel has also been recruited. The company now
employs 57 professionals,” Mr. Vappula recounts.
Lautex is also strongly involved in sustainability projects
within the shipbuilding industry.
”We are currently operating with full capacity. Things are
looking good.” n
materials is a must. Additionally, you need to deliver the prod-
ucts to the right place at exactly the right time, no matter what,”
notes Lehtonen.
Apart from onboard installations, Pedro Ltd has recently
delivered specially designed furniture for the new terminal at Hel-
sinki-Vantaa Airport, plus acoustic panels for Sibelius Music Acad-
emy’s renovated classrooms. n
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