Where Machines Meet Intelligence
Interview with Petri Moisio, CEO of Novatron Oy
Small devices are often underestimated, yet make the greatest difference. Nowhere is this more evident than in the construction industry, where massive machines must operate with absolute precision. With the support of machine control systems, digital solutions, and accurate data management, work on construction sites has become easier and more efficient. This is exactly where the Finnish technology company Novatron Oy has found its niche, specializing in automation solutions for infrastructure construction and establishing itself as a leading player in the industry.
The company’s founder, Jukka Tervahauta, laid the foundation for Novatron’s global success with a simple yet groundbreaking idea. In 1991, he developed a device that allowed excavator operators to monitor the fill level of their bucket in real time. While this may sound modest, it eliminated the need to manually check the bucket angle during excavation. From this innovation, a comprehensive product portfolio has evolved, including machine control systems, software, and OEM components. “Just think of satellite positioning, inertial measurement, and mobile networks for wireless data transmission. Machine control systems can now be operated via touchscreens and can visualize entire projects, allowing them to be transferred and updated within seconds,” explains CEO Petri Moisio, who has been with Novatron for ten years. “With our solutions, we have digitized infrastructure construction and brought a new level of automation to the earthmoving industry.”
Managing workflows
Today, Novatron looks back on 35 years of experience and has transformed from a hardware-focused machine control provider into a comprehensive technology company that combines machine control software with cloud-based solutions. “Our key milestones include building strong in-house R&D capabilities, expanding our portfolio from 2D to advanced 3D machine control systems, and more recently connecting machines, data, and users through cloud solutions. Today, we are not only guiding machines – we are helping to manage the entire construction workflow digitally,” emphasizes Petri Moisio.
Fast services at any time
Despite this technological evolution, personal contact with customers remains at the heart of the business. Novatron works closely with civil engineering firms, infrastructure planners, and machine manufacturers across Scandinavia, Europe, and beyond. Customer experience and feedback are central to product development. “Our goal is to create solutions that are user-friendly, reliable, and intuitive for people on construction sites. Customers choose us because they trust us – they know that high-quality products and excellent customer support are core values for us,” states Petri Moisio. “Construction sites are complex environments where data issues or equipment breakdowns can occur at any time. Our customers know they can rely on us. With a comprehensive service network across the Nordic countries, we are typically able to resolve issues within 24 hours, no matter where the customer is located.” In essence, Novatron’s potential customer base includes anyone operating earthmoving machinery – from individual entrepreneurs with a single machine to mid-sized construction companies, and even large-scale operators such as Destia or Golas, with hundreds of machines and subcontractors.
Manufacturing from scratch
Novatron’s product portfolio is built around core business areas. The first includes traditional machine control systems, ranging from 2D to advanced 3D solutions. Then, there is pure software, offering cloud services and design tools for professionals who manage data and create 3D models for construction sites. “What truly sets us apart from many of our competitors is that we manufacture all our hardware components in Finland, entirely from scratch,” says Petri Moisio. “Especially in today’s challenging environment, having control over our supply chain is a major advantage. While there are still some dependencies on raw materials sourced outside Europe, our manufacturing and intellectual property are almost entirely European. This approach is deeply embedded in our DNA. From the very beginning, we have developed and manufactured our own components, simply because there were no commercial solutions available at the time – whether for touch displays, IMU sensors, or controllers. Today, this independence is highly valued by our customers.”
Growing in advanced markets
After several challenging years marked by a slowdown in the construction sector, Novatron is now experiencing renewed growth. “We are seeing increased investment this year and are working towards becoming the market leader across the Nordic countries within the next few years, while also expanding into new international markets,” says Petri Moisio. “Growth is primarily driven by advanced markets where digitalization on construction sites is already well established. In terms of numbers, we expect to triple the size of the company within the next three to five years. Our company operates in an industry that builds critical infrastructure around the world. Every day, we support our customers’ success and safeguard their data. This means we have a tangible impact on society.”