Lival’s background and international growth

Finnish lighting company Lival began exporting to Europe as early as the 1960s, when its first international contacts were established at lighting trade fairs in Hannover. Today, there are multiple lighting events worldwide, and they continue to serve as important sales and marketing channels for Lival. The company has collaborated with Messua since 2016.

Many remember Lival’s brightly coloured luminaires above dining tables, wall-mounted spotlights, and desk lamps. Now approaching 80 years of history, Lival is stronger than ever—but its primary target groups have shifted from consumers to retailers, such as grocery chains, furniture stores, and fashion brands. Today, 98% of its sales are generated internationally, mainly in the Middle East, China, and across Europe, particularly in the Nordic countries.

Lival has been led for nearly 60 years by Stig Lival-Lindström from Sipoo. His father, Harald Lindström, founded Lindströmin Valaisin Oy in 1945. At the time, the company produced wooden luminaires for the domestic market and grew successfully enough to establish its own factory.

When Stig Lival-Lindström joined the company in the 1950s as a young business student, he recognised that Finland was too small a market. He began systematically expanding exports abroad, starting with trade shows in Hannover in the early 1960s.

As the company internationalised, its brand evolved as well. Lindströmin Valaisin became the more concise Lival Oy, and Lindström incorporated the company name into his own surname.

In-house aluminium production supports competitiveness

Over time, wooden and retro-style luminaires have been replaced by modern aluminium lighting systems installed on track rails. These rails are manufactured in Pikkala at Nordic Aluminium’s factory, which Lival-Lindström acquired in 2012 and took private. The factory produces track systems not only for Lival, but also for other lighting manufacturers.

“Track lighting is a strong business area because there’s less competition compared to luminaires. In Europe, there are only around four or five track manufacturers, and slightly more globally. We also supply tracks to other lighting brands,” says Lival-Lindström.

Trade shows as a key channel for sales and meetings

Since the early days of international expansion, trade shows have been a central part of Lival’s sales and marketing strategy. At 86, Lival-Lindström still actively attends events.

“Trade shows allow us to present new products and meet both buyers and suppliers. It’s an ideal environment for arranging meetings and building relationships,” he explains.

For Lival, the most important events include Light + Building in Frankfurt, held every two years, and EuroShop in Düsseldorf, organised every three years.

Exhibition stand concept for trade shows in practice

The collaboration between Messua and Lival on exhibition stands began in 2016.

The agreed concept is unique: Lival owns four exhibition stands, each approximately 200 square metres, designed and built by Messua. These stands are permanently located in Lival’s showroom in Sipoo. For each trade show, the structures are dismantled, transported to the event, and reassembled on-site—then returned to Sipoo afterwards.

Having the exhibition stands in their own facilities allows Lival to use them continuously for hosting customers and partners visiting Sipoo.

“I would say this approach is more efficient. Messua understands our business well and has the capability to build exhibition stands that truly fit our needs. They know our products inside out,” Lival-Lindström notes.

Showroom environments as part of continuous sales

Nordic Aluminium also features a permanent showroom designed and built by Messua.

“It’s not very large, but it still allows us to present our products effectively to visitors.”

In addition to exhibition stands, Messua has created various showroom environments at Lival’s premises in Sipoo. These include spatial layouts, graphic surfaces, lighting displays, signage, and branded elements—sometimes even custom furniture. All spaces are designed to support product presentation and sales.

Energy efficiency shaping the industry

Global challenges—climate change, inflation, and geopolitical tensions—are also impacting the lighting industry. According to Lival-Lindström, customers are increasingly focused on how lighting solutions can reduce energy consumption and support sustainability.

“Energy efficiency is extremely important to us. We aim to deliver sufficient lighting with as low energy consumption as possible. This is where our adapters and drivers play a key role—we are ahead of many competitors in this area.”

At the same time, staying competitive on price remains essential.

“China is currently the world’s largest exporter in lighting, which drives prices down significantly. To remain competitive, we must also adjust our pricing levels.”

The war in Ukraine has also affected Lival’s business, bringing trade with both Russia and Ukraine to a halt. Russia previously accounted for around five percent of exports, while Ukraine represented a smaller share.

“The global situation will continue to reshape the business in the near future. It’s difficult to predict the outcome, but I believe Lival will remain a strong player in lighting and track systems—even after my time,” Lival-Lindström concludes.

Text: Jaana Kalliokoski
Images: Messua Oy