Williams teams up with Kemppi and Wihuri
Williams F1 has today announced two new technical partnerships. First of all it teams up with Kemppi, a world-leader in the manufacture of welding equipment. At the same time, Wiliams also confirmed signing a sponsorship deal with Wihuri, one of Finland’s most respected business enterprises.
The Kemppi logo will be visible on the belt of the team’s Official Reserve Driver Valtteri Bottas, and the rear wing endplate of the Williams Renault FW34. Kemppi and Williams F1 will also be co-operating on welding equipment. Kemppi have supported Valtteri since 2008 and this agreement is a natural extension of the company’s commitment to helping talented Finnish racing drivers reach their potential.
Kemppi manufactures arc welding equipment and is a provider of solutions for highly productive welding. Founded in 1949 by Martti Kemppi, the family run business has introduced many new innovations to the market over the past 60 years, serving industries such as shipbuilding, metal workshops and transportation. Headquartered in Lahti, Finland, Kemppi has a global presence with subsidiaries in 15 countries and customers in more than 70 countries worldwide.
The Wihuri logos meanwhile will feature on the belt and helmet of the team’s Official Reserve Driver Valtteri Bottas, and the rear wing endplate of each Williams Renault FW34. Wihuri have supported Valtteri since 2006, and this agreement further extends their commitment to helping talented young Finnish drivers reach the pinnacle of motorsport.
Headquartered in Finland, Wihuri is a global industry and trade conglomerate engaged in film packaging products, daily goods wholesale operations, technical trade investment products and aviation. Over the past century Wihuri has grown from a small family business into a diversified global enterprise which operates in 20 countries. It is still owned by the family that formed the company 110 years ago.
Speaking about the partnership Anssi Rantasalo, Chief Executive Officer of Kemppi, commented; “We have been supporting Valtteri Bottas for several years and this agreement is a natural continuation of that collaboration. It is a great honour for us to be associated with the Williams F1 Team, one of the most successful teams in the history of Formula One. We are looking forward to extending our collaboration with them towards a technology partnership, as Formula One is technically demanding and welding still has an important role to play.”
Juha Hellgrén, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wihuri, commented, “Wihuri’s heritage in motorsport sponsorship started in the 1970s and this new agreement with one of the sport’s most iconic and legendary teams is very exciting. I am confident that co-operation with the Williams F1 Team will be a success story for both sides.”
Sir Frank Williams, Team Principal of the Williams F1 Team, added, “We are delighted to welcome Kemppi and Wihuri to our portfolio of partners. They have provided considerable support to Valtteri in his career thus far and to partner with a company that shares a family structure and strong heritage is greatly satisfying. We are all looking forward to working with them in the future.”
