A brand circling the globe

The main feature of Kälviän Kenkä for many years was its manufacture of shoes. Whether running shoes, work shoes or sports shoes, the company produced footwear of all kinds and thus acquired an extensive specialised knowledge of working leather. Kälviän Kenkä moved out of this business completely six years ago. Since 1988 the company has concentrated on pet products, a line that has grown continuously over the last few years. Its range includes collars, leads and harnesses for dogs and cats, along with dog garments and reflective products. In addition to leather goods, which account for 80 per cent of overall sales, the company also produces nylon articles. The full range of goods supplied comprises around 1,200 products and can be viewed in an extensive catalogue that was released in good time for last year's Interzoo. The catalogue is being updated this year to include the latest additions to the range. Show leads and retriever leads of soft leather. Products are sold under the "Jokke" brand, which is well known even outside Scandinavia, via the wholesale and retail trade. The company estimates its export quota at 50 per cent of overall sales. The main countries to which it delivers include the Scandinavian states, Japan, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany and Austria. Kälviän Kenkä intends to become more involved in the German and French markets above all in the next few years. To maintain its international competitiveness, the company established a subsidiary in Estonia in 1994, which manufactures a proportion of the products.
Collars made from special leather. The family firm employs 40 staff and is run by managing director Bertti Porkola, who is also responsible for exports, and Jouko Porkola, who works as the production manager. Both are third-generation members of the family and insist on a high quality standard, a trademark of the company. The firm was the first to launch round stitched leather products onto the market, says Jouko Porkola. The main priority in product development is maximum comfort for pet and owner, and so collars, leads, choke collars and harnesses are manufactured for example with a soft lining, so that they lie comfortably around the dog's neck and are not too hard on the animal's fur. At the same time, particular value is attached to having soft cushioning for the safe and comfortable use of leads. The Finnish company also gives priority to a long product service life. On the "oGuard" police lead, for example, two leather…