PREMERKO's History

Print Decoration Company

PREMERKO is a modern company focused on specialty printing and surface treatment, with roots dating back to the 1970s. The parallel paths of Merkopaino and Suomenselän Laminointi have sometimes run separately, sometimes together – until in 2024 they permanently united under the PREMERKO name. Here is our story, decade by decade.

1970s

Merkopaino and Suomenselän Laminointi get started

1970

  • 1974 – Suomenselän Offset Oy is founded in Virrat. The products are normal printing products

  • 1978 – Suomenselän Laminointi Oy is separated from the normal printing business. The first laminating machine is purchased. Services include, for example, lamination of book covers and UV varnishing.
  • Merkopaino Oy is founded as the self-supply printing company of the Merkonomiliito

In Helsinki, Merkopaino started its operations as a self-supply printer of Merkonomiliito. At the same time, in 1974, Suomenselän Offset Oy was founded in Virrat, offering standard printing services.

Merkopaino focused on high-quality printing solutions from the beginning, while Suomenselän Offset began specializing in 1978, when Suomenselän Laminointi Oy was spun off as its own company and the first laminating machine was purchased. This began a focus on book cover lamination and UV varnishing – areas for which the company later became known.

1980s

Merkopaino launches Finland's first sheet-fed varnishing machine. Merkopaino Oy and Suomenselän Laminointi Oy both join the Comex Group.

1980

  • 1980 – Finland's first sheet-fed UV varnishing machine is launched at Merkopaino's premises
  • 1982 – Merkopaino moves to new premises on Haukilahdenkatu in Helsinki
  • 1986-1988 – Merkopaino Oy and Suomenselän Laminointi Oy become part of the Comex Group
  • The company organizes industry-related events all over Finland

In 1980, Merkopaino launched Finland's first sheet-fed UV varnishing machine, which was a significant technological leap in the graphic industry at the time. Two years later, the company moved to new premises on Haukilahdenkatu in Helsinki, where it still operates.

In 1986-1988, both Merkopaino and Suomenselän Laminointi became part of the Comex Group, which combined graphic industry services and production into a comprehensive entity. During Comex, both companies developed rapidly – Merkopaino especially in surface treatments and Suomenselän Laminointi as a pioneer in lamination and foiling.

1990s

The Comex Group will cease operations and both companies will continue independently under the leadership of their entrepreneurs

1990

  • 1991 – After the Comex Group ends, the original entrepreneurs continue the operations of Suomenselän Laminointi Oy and Merkopaino Oy
  • 1998 – Suomenselän Laminointi invests in the first hot foil machine

In 1991, the Comex Group ceased operations, but the stories of both Merkopaino and Suomenselän Laminointi continued. The companies returned to being entrepreneurial – maintaining their specialization and continuing to develop independently.

Merkopaino continued to strengthen its surface treatment expertise, while Suomenselän Laminointinti expanded its expertise in foiling in addition to lamination, which was further developed with the 1998 investment in machinery.

2000-2020

The ownership base is being renewed and investments are accelerating

2000-2020

  • 2010 – Ownership of Merkopaino Oy is transferred to new entrepreneurs
  • 2013 – Teemu Pärnänen becomes a partner in Suomenselän Laminointi Oy
  • 2014 – Suomenselän Laminointi Oy's marketing name is changed to PREM. The company's production is moved from Virrat to Keuruu.
  • 2019 – Grafinish Oy becomes part of Merkopaino Oy through a corporate acquisition

The ownership of Merkopaino was transferred to new entrepreneurs in 2010, and in 2019 the company grew even more when Grafinish Oy was incorporated as part of the operations.

Suomenselän Laminointi underwent a significant change of ownership in 2013, when Teemu Pärnänen became a partner. A year later, the company's marketing name was changed to PREM, and production was moved to Keuruu. During 2014–2023, the company made several significant investments in hot foil and screen printing technology, which strengthened the company's position as a supplier of demanding surface treatments.

2020s

In 2023, Suomenselän Laminointi will buy a majority of Merkopaino.

2025-

Print Decoration Company

  • 2023 – Suomenselän Laminointi Oy acquires a majority stake in Merkopaino Oy. The company will continue to operate together with Suomenselän Laminointi Oy. Markus Sellmer will continue as a shareholder and CEO.
  • 2024 – The companies are known as PREMERKO
  • 2025 – PREMERKO continues the companies' common journey as one of the largest companies in the Nordic and Baltic countries offering special effects for printed products

In 2023, Suomenselän Laminointi Oy acquired a majority stake in Merkopaino Oy. Markus Sellmer continued as the company's CEO and shareholder, and the operations began to merge step by step.

In 2024, talk began about a new common name: PREMERKO. The name brings together the PREM brand and the tradition of Merkopaino – and describes the combination of two industry leaders into a modern, efficient and high-quality operator.

In 2025, PREMERKO will officially continue under a new name, combining decades of experience, shared history and future development work under one roof. The company operates in Helsinki and Keuruu, serving the graphic industry with specialized printing and surface treatment solutions.