We are SAWO – Finnish Sauna Company
We are SAWO, a customer-centric company, consistently prioritizing the needs of our customers throughout the entire process — from the design phase through manufacturing, and extending to our after-sales support. We take pride in delivering only the finest products and exceptional service to our valued customers.
We are SAWO – Finnish Sauna Company
We are SAWO, a customer-centric company, consistently prioritizing the needs of our customers throughout the entire process — from the design phase through manufacturing, and extending to our after-sales support. We take dignity in delivering only the finest products and exceptional service to our valued customers.
Early Beginnings
Our founder, VM Kallioniemi, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 16, initially selling cameras. His visionary mindset allowed him to rapidly expand the business from his small village in Western Finland to a nationwide distribution of cameras. Just two years into his entrepreneurial career, fueled by a passion for travel, VM found himself in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of the SAWO journey.
In 1994, the SAWO – Sauna World brand was established in Hong Kong with a compelling vision—to be the comprehensive supplier for all things related to Finnish sauna and spa, catering to hotels, spas, gyms, and homeowners. Initially starting with the sale of hot tubs and sauna appliances from other brands, the increasing demand for Finnish sauna products in Asia prompted the shift to in-house manufacturing under the SAWO brand.
The Philippines, specifically Cebu, provided a unique opportunity to blend a love for scuba diving, family life, and easy access to surrounding Asian markets. The abundance of skilled workers, especially in woodworking, made Cebu an even more attractive location for our manufacturing plant. In 2000, we proudly opened our own manufacturing facility in MEZ2. The design of the factory building drew inspiration from Finland, with many of the materials used in the floor, roof, and walls imported directly from Finland.
SAWO Founder
We’re In Business
30 years
Products are Sold to Over
80+ countries worldwide
Manufacturing – SAWO
As the pioneer European sauna company with its own manufacturing in Asia, SAWO achieved success through a combination of competitive pricing and uncompromising quality. Continually expanding our portfolio with new products and features each year, we consistently surpassed customer expectations on a global scale. Our management and environmental policies were significantly influenced by the ISO certification obtained early in our operations. SAWO Inc. proudly holds certifications for the Quality Management System (QMS) ISO 9001:2015 and the Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001:2015 standards.
Fueled by a passion for sauna and fostered by an innovative company culture, SAWO has become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of sauna heaters, accessories, and controls. Our extensive selection includes sauna rooms, steam generators, and infrared sauna products. With approximately 300 Filipino and Finnish employees in the Philippines, we’ve expanded our sales to over 80 countries. All SAWO products are manufactured in our factories under Finnish management, ensuring authenticity to the rich heritage of Finnish sauna culture.
ISO Certification Obtained
Sustainability
We exclusively use the finest sauna woods sourced from North America and Finland, ensuring that all wood comes from sustainably managed forests. To honor these premium materials, our manufacturing process prioritizes minimal waste, actively striving to recycle and repurpose even the smallest remnants. A notable example of our commitment to reusing resources is evident in our business cards, crafted from leftover pieces in our production.
As a Finnish company, the preservation of natural resources holds great significance for us. We are continually exploring ways to enhance our material utilization and sourcing practices while actively contributing to the well-being of the local community in the Philippines. Each year, we participate in community projects such as drainage cleaning, tree planting, and the renovation of classrooms in local schools, embodying our dedication to environmental stewardship and community support.