Our History

From One Generation to the Next, since 1973

Our story began in Finnish Lapland in the 1970s, with two brothers and a shared dream of building roads that would stand the test of time. Through hard work, brave decisions, and decades of steady growth, that small road construction company has grown into a family-owned business with expertise across several industries—always looking ahead while staying true to where it came from.

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It All Started with Rolling Up Our Sleeves

Back in 1973, our work was all about road construction in the demanding conditions of Lapland. It was practical, hands-on work: building, repairing, and keeping our promises.

From the very beginning, one idea guided everything we did: do good work, take responsibility, and earn people’s trust.

From Our Founder

“Our journey has included plenty of lucky moments. We happened to be in the right place at the right time—but you still have to seize those opportunities. Becoming an entrepreneur takes more than just wanting it. You need genuine passion for the work.

Our story began with road construction and hands-on craftsmanship. Back then, we weren’t dreaming big. We simply did what we had promised to do. Over the years, new business areas found their way to us as new opportunities appeared.

None of this could have been achieved alone. We’ve always been fortunate to have wonderful people working with us. They are a huge part of this story—if you can call it a success story. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.”

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The Way We Work Has Stayed the Same

What matters most in Sava-Group’s history isn’t only what we’ve built, but how we’ve built it.

The way we work has taken shape through everyday actions: working together, being accountable, learning as we go, and treating people fairly.

We weren’t dreaming big—we simply kept our promises.

The Journey So Far

1973

The story begins with road construction in Finnish Lapland.

1982

Kalottikone is founded, strengthening the Group’s engineering expertise.

1993

The Group expands into the hospitality industry.

1997

The second generation joins the family business, and Savaterra is founded.

2001

Toptester is established, bringing product testing expertise into the Group.

2019

The third generation joins the story of the family business.

2023

Sava-Group celebrates 50 years of building lasting foundations.

Growing One Opportunity at a Time

Growth at Sava-Group hasn’t followed a strict plan. Instead, it has grown step by step—by staying curious and having the courage to say yes when new opportunities come along. Today, our businesses range from hospitality and real estate to engineering, testing services, and the circular economy.

Different fields, but a familiar way of working: thinking long term, being accountable, and building something that lasts.

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Across Generations

Sava-Group is a family business where every generation has left its own mark. The world around us has changed, and so has our business, but the entrepreneurial spirit, the drive to keep improving, and the responsibility to care for what comes next have remained the same.

Each new generation brings fresh ideas, new skills, and a new perspective—while continuing the work started by those before them.

We’re Building the Next Chapter

Our history gives us strong roots, but it never holds us back. Curiosity, courage, and a sense of responsibility continue to guide us as we grow. From our home in the North, we’re building the next chapter together.