Salli Systems was founded in 1990, when Mr Veli-Jussi Jalkanen started to develop a saddle-like chair. He was, and is, a keen rider and wanted his back to feel as good in the office as in the horse saddle. So, he put his saddle on a stool but soon realized that even though the position was good, the saddle wasn’t comfortable enough. After that an intense development was started with his farm’s smithy workers and local upholsterers. The first Salli Saddle Chair was presented in Geneva Invention expo in 1991.
At the moment, the company employees are about 40 people and the products are exported to more than 70 countries around the world. Salli Saddle Chairs are made in Rautalampi, a small village in the Eastern Finland. Salli also has a production plant in China, the products of which are sold mainly in the Asian market.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
SALLI SYSTEMS: In addition to saddle chairs, Salli Systems produces height-adjustable desks and various accessories for the chairs, to make them better suited for special professions or environments.
What makes Salli Systems unique among other furniture manufacturers is that we don’t just sell the chair, we sell the whole Salli Concept. That includes several other aspects than just sitting that need attention for working to be truly ergonomically and productive. Are the monitors on the correct height? Is the lightning in the room optimal? Does one have enough breaks during the day, work standing, walk during phone calls? Is the clothing loose enough not to disturb circulation and lymph flow? Our attitude towards sitting health is truly holistic.
Also, we have several physiotherapists working in the company, and we can offer professional instructions to customers and in-depth anatomical and physical training for our dealers.
Salli MultiAdjuster with Ergorest arm support and Top&Bottom, the foot-operated height control that enables changing the sitting height without having to touch a lever by hand.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
SALLI SYSTEMS: We have a very active product development! We are constantly making small improvements into our chairs, such as modelling the padding so that it would disturb circulation as little as possible.
Our latest invention is a movable arm support, Elbow Rest 3D, that was developed together with the surgeons of Kuopio University Hospital in Finland. It provides support for the upper body in challenging positions during long operations.
At the moment we are also further developing our only one-part chair, Salli Classic, and making a narrower version of it, with the possibility of choosing either tilting or swinging mechanism for it.
A totally new kind of product is Salli Pillow, an ergonomic pillow that prevents the veins in the neck getting harmfully pressed during the night. The finalizing touches are made at the moment and we hope to have it on the market soon.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
SALLI SYSTEMS: Salli Systems produces saddle chairs, desks, and accessories. But as a very innovative company we have also light saddles in our product range, as well as Salli Paddler, a catamaran-type canoe that is equipped with saddle chair seats.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
SALLI SYSTEMS: In Finland we are very well known, and the word Salli almost equals the word saddle chair. Also, in Scandinavia we are rather well known, but in other areas there is still a lot of work to do. Our main target groups are office workers and those working for healthcare and dental care, but we can offer special solutions for basically also tasks that are done sitting, and for many that have traditionally been done standing.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
SALLI SYSTEMS: It looks like working at home is here to stay, and people are ready to invest in their wellbeing, instead of working in very unergonomic positions on the sofa or at the kitchen table. Salli Saddle Chairs suit home offices well, as they are small and easy to move, and also look nice enough so that there is no need to hide them after the work day. Also, our desks are handy and don’t need a large space.
Another trend is the overall health and wellbeing trend. People are interested in different ways to keep themselves healthy and productive, and are open to new kind of solutions.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
SALLI SYSTEMS: The most innovative product is the saddle chair itself. Because of the gap in the middle of the seat it is possible to keep the back in its neutral and natural position, while the back and neck muscle remain relaxed. In an upright position the pelvis is also in an upright position, and on a one-part saddle chair there will soon be uncomfortable pressure on the genital area. Whereas on a two-part seat the nerves won’t get pressed between the pubic bone and the chair, and there is no need to tilt the pelvis backwards, away from the pressure. When tilting the pelvis backwards the back becomes rounded, and that is a very dangerous position for the disks in the lower back.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
SALLI SYSTEMS: We hope to grow strongly. Now that the world has opened after covid we are again attending lots of expos around the world, to spread the message of healthy sitting. Our strengths are the exceptionally long warranty, 10 years, and high-quality Finnish handwork. Expos are also a good place to find new dealers to reinforce ou dealer network.