REFERENCE STORY

Linjateräs Builds NATO Readiness with FOC Support

Linjateräs Oy and Finnish Operations Center Oy are joining forces to develop Linjateräs’ business from the perspective of defence industry value chains, NATO readiness and long-term industrial growth.
MARKET CONTEXT

Linjateräs Oy: Strong Industry Expertise and a Drive to Evolve

Founded in 1965, Linjateräs Oy is a Finnish industrial solutions partner with high-efficiency, high-quality powder coating at its core. The company serves a wide range of industrial sectors and is known for its strong service mindset, uncompromising quality, and bold forward-thinking approach.
Its quality assurance is based on precise quality control and advanced operational management, while continuously monitoring industry trends and technological developments to ensure the best and most up-to-date service for its customers.

Linjateräs is currently investing in new dip coating technology, representing a significant leap forward in corrosion protection. This technology has a major impact on durability and lifecycle costs, particularly in defence industry applications.
This development further strengthens Linjateräs’ position as a reliable partner also in developing NATO-compatible solutions. However, entering NATO markets required support and expertise from FOC’s professionals.

Through the collaboration, FOC has delivered several expert services to support Linjateräs’ strategic objectives. The goal of the partnership is to further strengthen Linjateräs’ position as a technological frontrunner and a reliable partner that provides competitive advantage to its customers today and in the future.
“The collaboration with FOC is not just consulting—it is a partnership that supports our growth, enhances value chain efficiency, and builds capabilities with concrete results.”

Tero Viitanen CEO, Linjateräs Oy
Client Snapshot
CLIENT

Linjateräs Oy

INDUSTRY

Industrial surface treatment /
powder coating

FOCUS

NATO readiness and defence industry value chains

FOC SERVICES

NCAGE Registration /
Maturity Assessment /
Continuous Services

GROWTH OBJECTIVE
Growth, Development, and Efficiency
Linjateräs aimed to enhance operational efficiency and develop processes to better meet the growing demands of the defence industry and NATO markets—without compromising quality. The timing for development and collaboration with FOC was ideal, as Linjateräs is in a significant growth phase and new investments bring new requirements. The objective was to build a stronger foundation for future customer relationships and international projects.

Linjateräs chose FOC as its partner due to FOC’s deep understanding of industrial operations from technological, business, and defence industry perspectives. FOC’s holistic approach combines process development, data-driven management, and modern tools for practical implementation, strengthening Linjateräs’ ability to serve NATO customers.
FOC’s broad service portfolio and expertise provide versatile capabilities tailored to diverse needs. Achieving Linjateräs’ goals required a partner capable of delivering across multiple areas, particularly with an understanding of NATO value chains and operating environments. FOC’s experts stand out especially in NATO markets and the security and defence sector, translating insight into concrete development steps for industrial companies.
NCAGE REGISTRATION

NCAGE Code as the First Step into NATO Markets

In May, the collaboration began with applying for an NCAGE code for Linjateräs, enabling participation in NATO procurement systems and international defence projects. Obtaining the NCAGE code is a concrete step toward becoming part of a globally recognized, security-compliant supply network. 

The process proved more demanding than expected. It required not only completing forms but also a multi-phase evaluation of the company’s role within NATO’s extensive value chain. Aligning standards and requirements would have been challenging without expert support.

FOC’s experts brought structure, clarity and the right interpretation to the process, helping Linjateräs align the registration so that the code accurately reflects the company’s real strengths and areas of expertise.

“Optimizing the NCAGE code would have been extremely difficult without FOC’s expertise. They helped us navigate complex classifications and ensured the registration accurately reflects our capabilities and role in NATO’s value chain.”

Tero Viitanen CEO, Linjateräs Oy
CONTINUOUS SERVICES

Continuous Services as a Source of Networks and Flexible Expertise

In early September 2025, Linjateräs joined FOC as an Executive member. This membership opened entirely new opportunities and networks, enabling participation in discussions shaping the defence capabilities of the Western alliance and access to key decision-making circles regarding NATO’s future needs and industrial priorities.

 A key highlight was a November Executive member visit to NATO Headquarters in Brussels, enabling direct dialogue with NATO and EU decision-makers as well as leading organizations in the field. Through the membership, Linjateräs has gained deeper insight into the international operating environment, upcoming requirements, and how Finnish industry can contribute to collective security. 

FOC’s continuous services provide expert and flexible support for business growth and continuity. They are designed for organizations aiming to stay up to date within the defence ecosystem and secure their position in key networks.

MATURITY ASSESSMENT

Maturity Assessment as a Tool for Capability Development

In September, a maturity assessment was conducted for Linjateräs to evaluate its readiness to participate in defence procurement and operate in NATO markets. The assessment identified strengths and development areas and provided clear recommendations for next steps.

“The assessment was not just a measurement—it was a constructive process that helped us identify our strengths, critical development areas, and where we can create the most value.”

Ari Kesti, Sales Director Linjateräs Oy

FOC’s experts brought deep knowledge of industrial quality management and NATO standards, helping define a clear development path. This enables Linjateräs to focus investments where they have the greatest impact on NATO capability.

The assessment also strengthened internal alignment and long-term development planning.

PARTNERSHIP

From Collaboration to True Partnership

The collaboration with FOC has been both smooth and impactful. For Linjateräs, it was important to work with a partner who understands their goals and shares a similar mindset: bold development combined with high quality and respect for people. 

For Linjateräs, FOC’s practical approach and ability to structure complex topics into clear next steps have been especially valuable. 

“FOC is a true partner—not just an advisor. We believe this collaboration will continue as we develop new technologies and strengthen NATO compatibility.”

Ari Kesti, Sales Director Linjateräs Oy

The partnership continues, with Linjateräs now a continuous services client of FOC. FOC will keep supporting Linjateräs in achieving sustained growth, stronger NATO compatibility, and concrete capability development. 

The collaboration between Linjateräs and FOC is an excellent example of how a well-designed service offering can continuously drive a company forward. 

At FOC, we support organizations long-term and strengthen their growth in international defence markets.

RELATED SERVICES

FOC services connected to this case

Explore the FOC services connected to Linjateräs’ NATO readiness, capability development and long-term position in defence industry value chains.

NATO Market Entry

A structured pathway for companies taking their first steps toward NATO-related and international defence-sector markets.

NCAGE Registration

The foundational registration required for participation in NATO-related systems and international defence-sector procurement environments.

Maturity Assessment

A structured evaluation of a company’s readiness to operate in defence procurement and NATO-related market environments.

Continuous Services

Ongoing support, insight and expert access for companies building long-term position in the defence ecosystem.

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