Our story

When everyone else was moving away from Posio, we wanted to move there. Our company started in 1971 practically by accident, like many other successful companies have done: Anu Pentik's enthusiasm for ceramics and leather crafts began to bring home the bacon. The Pentik tableware gained reputation for their round shapes and handicraft feel.

"The best way to find out if your company has it is to build a huge ceramics workshop along with a store and café."

Anu has always been very productive, so a new showroom was soon added to the Pentik-mäki Cultural Centre. Pentik boldly opened its first store on Esplanadi right in the heart of Helsinki in 1976.

”If you like something, someone else will like it too. It is simple as that!"

In the 80's, people wanted to wear bright blue leather garments. And so did we. Pentik grew significantly during the 80's. Alongside ceramics, leather clothing was a strong line of business for Pentik. The ceramics factory was extended twice during this decade. In addition to that, Pentik launched the Artzan furniture line and a china studio.

”If you view the world with an open and creative mind, you can't look at it in any other way. If you feel that you want to make leather pants, then you definitely have to make them.”

In the 90's we focused on what we did best: ceramics. The economical recession nearly derailed everything, but we survived. When we decided to wind down other lines of our activity and concentrate on ceramics, we were able to build the company's own store concept. Pentik underwent a transformation. Because we were not afraid of the future, we extended our product selection as soon as we could do it.

”We emphasized our way of life. The life that has always inspired us and made us happy - with or without the company.”

Anu does not spend the most of her time in the basement anymore. That is the biggest change during these 49 years. We still love what we do, and we love each other. There is just more to love than before: we have a large family, hundreds of workmates, and reindeer as our neighbours.

”My first thought when I wake up in the morning has been the same for 49 years: I can't wait to put my hands into clay. I love it."

At the turn of the century, household textiles and furniture become a part of the family business’ selection. Anu Pentik has more time for art and creative experiments, when there’s a change in generation. In 2004, Anu and Topi’s son Pasi Pentikäinen becomes the new CEO of Pentik. In 2019, Pentik Oy's turnover was 30 million euros. The company has 250 employees, and they all belong to the big Pentik family.

Pentik’s ceramics are still manufactured in Posio, near the Arctic Circle. Alongside the world’s northernmost ceramic factory, there is also a candle workshop that makes domestic seasonal candles. Most of the company’s revenue comes from Design from Finland products. Production emphasises environmentally friendly methods and both the ceramic factory and the candle workshop utilise waste heat.