The YIT story

The climate of Northern Europe imposes immense demands on the basic structures of society. The seasonal variations are great – yet people expect their living environments to be as functional and pleasant in the coldest winter as in the sweltering summer. High requirements and demanding conditions have refined YIT into what it is today – the leading service company focused on building, developing and maintaining technical living environments.

The roots of our company go back to 1912, when Yleinen Insinööritoimisto (the General Engineering Company) went into business in Finland. In 1926, the company was acquired by Ragnar Kreuger. A legendary figure, he was an avid collector of birds’ eggs. He designed a waterworks project for a whole city for free in order to land the contract. On a hunting trip to Norway, he came up with the idea of using wooden pipes for industrial water supply purposes. Innovation and tenacity are his greatest legacy – and they are fostered to this day at the international YIT.

YIT has lived through world wars and global recessions. We have applied our expertise far and wide, from the Middle East to Africa and many points in between. The Baltic rim has now become our main business territory. Our rich and international past has taught us how to operate with a long-term perspective and how to work with others. We require both of these skills in creating a good living environment for the information and experience society.

We are successful – but we know that in order to succeed, you must remain humble and continuously learn new things. Many YIT employees have started out in their careers by “working in the pit”. Hard work teaches you to trust your colleagues. If you want to succeed, everyone’s contribution is necessary. Our long history has taught us that you never stop learning.

Only by listening to and understanding our customers – and each other – can we offer them the best service, both now and in the future.