DA‑Design Oy was founded to provide electronics and software design services for industrial companies in Finland.

Discover DA’s very first day through the eyes of Pekka Ekholm: “I knew they would become something—and that the best was still ahead.”

DA acquired a media research business unit and began developing and marketing measurement equipment for TV audience research on international markets.

In the 30th anniversary interview, Heino Ruottinen reflects on DA’s early years from a mentor’s perspective.

DA strengthened its RF and microwave technology expertise for space projects through an acquisition.

As technological capabilities grew, a strong company culture also took shape—described by co‑founder Antti Aaltonen in his anniversary interview as a time when the workplace truly felt like a group of friends. Read more.

DA acquired the expertise and key personnel of Laske Oy, expanding its defense sector business and sharpening its focus on advanced defense industry solutions.

That same year, Mari Laitonen joined DA as a summer employee, beginning a career path that would contribute to the company’s expertise all the way to space projects.

The acquisition of Tampere‑based Finnelpro broadened DA’s technology and product development services for industrial customers and led to the opening of a new office in Tampere.

At the same time as DA expanded to Tampere, a chance mention at a Mother’s Day lunch brought Maija Julin into the company’s growth story. Read more.

DA acquired Forssa‑based Nelcomp, specializing in electronics manufacturing, and Eleforss, a provider of testing services. The auxiliary trade name DA‑Group was registered to better represent the Group’s comprehensive solutions offering.

DA acquired the Hämeen Paino property in Forssa to support the long‑term expansion of its operations.

The acquisition of Controlled, a manufacturer of LED display systems, enabled the opening of an office in the Turku region.

DA acquired part of Microsoft’s testing facilities and measurement equipment and began offering accredited testing services.

As DA’s operations evolved toward more demanding and security‑critical solutions, Tero Sulonen reflects in his anniversary interview on his journey from intern to Chief Information & Security Officer alongside the company’s growth. Read more.

DA strengthened its precision mechanics expertise by integrating HeViMet, a manufacturer of injection molding tools, into its offering. Through the acquisition of Helsinki‑based company Surma, DA also enhanced its capabilities in naval technology and combat survivability management services.

DA expanded its operations to Oulu with the acquisition of RF filter manufacturer Creowave Filters, establishing a new regional office.

Controlled Oy, a DA‑Group subsidiary, acquired the LED product business of Tepcomp Oy. The transaction included LED luminaire components, IPR rights, product development, and the transfer of Tepcomp’s R&D team to the Group.

DA‑Group sold its naval mine technology business to Forcit Group and continues bringing new high‑technology products to market.

For founder and CEO Sami Kotiniemi, the sale was not only a business decision but also a symbolic closing of more than 20 years of development—and the starting signal for DA‑Group’s next phase of growth. Read more.

Read the anniversary interview with Chief Sales Officer Matti Hätönen, How DA‑Group Is Growing to the Next Level, where he outlines the company’s future outlook.