From Port Customs Clearance to Comprehensive Logistics Solutions

The Story of SA-TU

SA-TU Logistics was founded in 1987 as a collaboration between three major Finnish companies to streamline port customs clearance.

From a small player, it has grown into a versatile logistics company offering comprehensive customs, cargo handling, and transportation services in Finland.

History

The story of SA-TU Logistics began in 1987, when three major forwarding companies – Oy Huolintakeskus Ab, Oy Henry Nielsen Ab, and John Nurminen Oy – joined forces to establish a new company aimed at streamlining port customs clearance and cargo handling. Initially, the company was named Satama ja Tullaus Oy, but after a few minor name changes, it became SA-TU, a name that was widely recognized in the industry by the 1990s.

Growth and Expansion

In the 1990s, SA-TU began its cargo handling operations at the Port of Helsinki’s West Harbour. The company expanded its services and strengthened its position in the domestic logistics market, including taking over the forwarding operations of its owners. The company’s revenue steadily grew to 1–2 million euros, and SA-TU’s expertise began to attract an increasing number of clients from the logistics and forwarding sectors.

At the beginning of the 2000s, SA-TU strategically grew its business following ownership changes, with a particular focus on developing its transportation services. In 2001, the company expanded into air freight handling and opened an air terminal at Vantaa. In the following years, SA-TU signed significant agreements, such as managing bonded warehouse operations at the Port of Helsinki, and moved into new, expanded facilities.

Era of Independence and Growth

In 2005, SA-TU was transferred into the ownership of its management through a management buyout (MBO), which provided the company with greater independence and enabled it to offer services to a broader customer base. The company focused on cost-effective logistics solutions and enhanced its expertise in customs clearance and project cargo. With the new ownership structure, SA-TU grew rapidly and achieved a strong market position as a versatile logistics partner.

Investments and Innovation

In 2015, SA-TU made a significant investment in the Port of Vuosaari, opening a modern bulk cargo terminal. The terminal focused on handling sawn timber, steel products, and other industrial goods. This investment also brought the first automatic containerization device, the LoadPlate, to Vuosaari Port, which significantly accelerated and optimized the handling of large items. Later, the terminal changed ownership, and SA-TU built a second terminal in the logistics area for handling oversized cargo.

A New Era as Part of the Customs Support Group

In 2021, SA-TU became part of the Customs Support Group, which strengthened the company’s position as a provider of customs services and opened doors to broader markets across Europe. Today, SA-TU offers its customers an extensive portfolio of customs and trade solutions under the name Customs Support. Clients benefit from the Group’s strong expertise in international customs and logistics chains. This allows customers to enjoy swift border crossings and fluent customs solutions not only in Finland but also throughout Europe. SA-TU’s long history and local expertise are now combined with global opportunities.

Currently, SA-TU Logistics serves its customers with a wide range of logistics services, and its headquarters are centrally located at the Port of Vuosaari, offering a seamless service package from customs clearance to cargo handling and project transport.

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