Press release: JR-Tools Oy Awarded for the Circular Economy Act of the Year in Central Finland

JR-Tools Oy, Finland’s largest manufacturer and distributor of special metal cutting tools for the metal industry, has been awarded in the Circular Economy Act of the Year in Central Finland competition. Other award recipients include the City of Äänekoski and the recycled oil refiner NextOil. The competition highlights initiatives that promote the circular economy within a specific region or industry in Central Finland.

Based in Tikkakoski, Jyväskylä, JR-Tools received the award for its lifecycle model, which encompasses services for the entire lifespan of a metal cutting tool – from design and manufacturing to tool reconditioning and recycling. According to the jury, JR-Tools serves as an excellent example of responsible business practices in manufacturing, where the product-as-a-service approach and lifecycle thinking of the circular economy are effectively realised. The comprehensive service offered to customers reduces the need for new metal cutting tools, lowers the carbon footprint, and generates cost savings.

This award is a valuable recognition of JR-Tools’ long-term work in advancing the circular economy. “Receiving this award feels great, especially because we have been developing this concept for well over ten years. It’s rewarding to see that we have chosen the right path – one that has broader significance as well,” says JR-Tools Sales Director and Partner Veli-Matti Uusitalo. “We are actively working to ensure that lifecycle thinking and awareness of its benefits reach every Finnish machine shop.”

Lifecycle Model and Finnish Origin at the Core of Sustainability Work

JR-Tools voluntarily reports on its sustainability work, and the company’s second sustainability report has just been published. Circular economy thinking and the lifecycle model at the heart of its business are central elements of the company’s sustainability efforts. Domestic production is also a key value for JR-Tools, as evidenced by the Key Flag Symbol awarded to its tool reconditioning service and special metal cutting tools. “The importance of sustainability will only continue to grow in the future, and competitive advantage will be achieved by being among the first, not the last,” summarises JR-Tools CEO and Partner Pasi Rönn.

JR-Tools’ latest machine investments also support circular economy principles, as new CNC grinding machines will increase capacity specifically for tool resharpening. Deliveries of the SMP CA7XL and Schneeberger Aries NGP+ CNC grinding machines are expected to take place later this year. “Reconditioning metal cutting tools is a responsible act, as the carbon footprint from one reconditioning cycle is significantly smaller than that of manufacturing a new tool. From this perspective as well, our decision to invest in maintenance is easy to justify,” Rönn explains.

Further information:

CEO Pasi Rönn
+358 (0)50 469 7921
pasi.ronn@jrtools.fi

Sales Director Veli-Matti Uusitalo
+358 (0)40 835 8075
veli-matti.uusitalo@jrtools.fi

JR-Tools Oy is a manufacturer of special cutting tools for the metal industry, operating in Tikkakoski, Jyväskylä, in the historic rifle factory premises. JR-Tools is the largest and most versatile company in its field in Finland, and its machinery enables not only the manufacture of carbide and HSS special tools but also their reconditioning and PVD coating. In addition to its own tool production, the company imports various gear cutting tools. www.jrtools.fi

The Circular Economy Act of the Year in Central Finland competition was organised as part of the EU co-funded Circular Villages in Central Finland project, implemented by JAMK University of Applied Sciences and the Regional Council of Central Finland. The winners were announced at the Central Finland Circular Economy Exhibition on 30 October 2025. https://www.jamk.fi/fi/projekti/kiertokylat-keski-suomessa