The History of Aspo
The roots of Aspo go all the way back to 1929, when Asunto-osakeyhtiöitten Polttoaine Osuuskunta started operations. In the beginning, the cooperative served domestic energy needs by importing coke required by building associations for central heating.
Gradually its operations diversified into the areas of transport, shipping and the distribution of chemicals. The corporation acquired its first ship in 1949 and the first extensive chemical storage facility was opened in Rauma in 1977. In the 1970s Aspo also expanded into the field of information technology.
In October 1999 the Group was divided into two independent listed companies traded on the Helsinki Stock Exchange: Aspocomp, which focuses on electronics operations, and Aspo, which provides logistical support services for industry.
Since this structural change, Aspo has consistently strengthened all of its business areas. In the spring of 2008, the corporation moved into a larger size category as it acquired Kauko-Telko Oy from Kesko Corporation. The new Aspo has four corporate brands in leading positions in their sectors: ESL Shipping, Kaukomarkkinat, Leipurin and Telko.