Building safety requirements are becoming increasingly stringent. As a result, property investors and construction companies are turning to carefully tested and certified building materials. The mineral wool insulated sandwich panels manufactured at Ruukki Construction’s Alajärvi plant in Finland have now been awarded the internationally recognized FM Approvals certification. Our customers can be confident that these products meet the highest global standards for fire safety and durability.

Proven performance in demanding conditions

FM certification is a major endorsement for any building material. It verifies a product’s ability to withstand real-world hazards such as fire, hurricanes, and mechanical stress. The certification is based on rigorous testing conducted under the oversight of FM Global, a US-based insurance company.

“We’re proud that our high-quality sandwich panels have been proven to meet the strictest requirements of even the most demanding construction projects worldwide,” says Esa Lehtimäki, Portfolio Manager, Building Envelopes Finland, Ruukki Construction.

Minimizing risk in data center construction

FM certification is especially valuable in data center construction, where structural safety, fire resistance, and business continuity are critical. Data centers house vast amounts of sensitive technology that must be protected to ensure uninterrupted service and reliable insurance coverage.

FM-approved materials are often a prerequisite in data center risk management processes and insurance policies. They support more comprehensive insurance coverage, may lower premiums—and most importantly—help reduce downtime caused by fire or structural failure.

“FM-certified sandwich panels offer long-lasting, robust protection for buildings. This is vital in environments that require constant cooling, ventilation, and operational reliability. The excellent fire performance and mechanical strength of our panels fully support the strict construction requirements of data centers,” Lehtimäki adds.

Unmatched application flexibility

The FM certification granted to the Alajärvi-manufactured sandwich panels covers both interior and exterior use—on walls and roofs alike. Certified under FM Approvals standards 4880 and 4881, the panels can be used in tall buildings without special restrictions. In addition, our exterior wall solutions span longer distances and withstand higher wind loads than many competing products.

This sets Ruukki’s solutions apart—especially in demanding environments such as data centers, logistics hubs, and industrial facilities, where safety, strength, and longevity are essential.

Verified quality and consistent reliability

FM certification is not a one-time milestone—it requires ongoing quality assurance and regular factory audits. The certification of our Alajärvi plant by FM Approvals reinforces Ruukki Construction’s strong commitment to consistent, uncompromising quality—both in Finland and globally.

Certification to be published soon

The FM certification for panels produced at the Alajärvi plant will be published on Ruukki Construction’s website and marketing channels in summer 2025. Product packaging will also be updated with new certification labels, making the products easy to identify on construction sites and throughout the supply chain.

“We remain committed to developing safer, smarter, and more sustainable building solutions,” Lehtimäki concludes.