Vaisala to Combine its Weather Businesses

For 75 years, Vaisala has been at the forefront in providing leading weather observation and measurement systems and services for its meteorological and weather-dependent customers. Starting October 1, 2011, the current Meteorology and Weather Critical Operations organizations are combined to form one Weather Business Area.

Kai Konola, currently heading Weather Critical Operations, has been appointed Executive Vice President, Weather Business Area. He continues as a member of Vaisala’s Business and Strategic Management Groups. Martti Husu, the current head of the Meteorology Business Area, will take on a new position in Vaisala.

“The new Weather Business Area continues to be a leading provider of reliable weather technology. Going forward, our goal is to offer increased operational benefit for our customers by improving our capabilities in the project business and by introducing new service-based business models,” says Kai Konola.

The new Weather Business Area consists of five market segments:

Meteorology, whose customers are the national meteorological institutes. Vaisala provides these customers with a wide range of products, such as radiosondes, surface weather stations, weather radars, and comprehensive integrated systems.

Airports, where Vaisala supports the safety and efficiency of airports and air traffic by offering products and services to monitor the surrounding weather conditions.

Roads and Rail, where Vaisala’s weather observation products and decision support solutions help road and rail authorities to ensure traffic safety and operational efficiency.

Defense, where Vaisala provides similar weather observation systems and solutions as to the other meteorological customers.

New Weather Markets, where customers typically represent non-governmental enterprises. The focus of New Weather Markets is to grow business with energy and maritime customers. The offering includes solutions such as wind energy optimization and lightning detection for energy customers, and helideck weather monitoring for offshore oil and gas customers.

From October 1, 2011 onwards Vaisala’s business will be reported in two business areas: Weather and Controlled Environment.

Change in Vaisala’s Strategic Management Group
To further strengthen the implementation of Vaisala’s customer driven strategy, Riina Kirmanen, Director of Marketing, will become a member of Vaisala’s Strategic Management Group starting October 1, 2011. She continues to report to Ari Meskanen, SVP Sales and Marketing.

About Vaisala
Vaisala is a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement. Building on 75 years of experience, Vaisala contributes to a better quality of life by providing a comprehensive range of innovative observation and measurement products and services for meteorology, weather critical operations and controlled environments. Headquartered in Finland, Vaisala employs approximately 1400 professionals worldwide and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki stock exchange. www.vaisala.com