PI's Spring Summit, held April 21st, highlighted that successful investments require competent professionals and project leaders, good collaboration between the companies as well as optimal infrastructure. Courage for renewal and willingness to understand customers are vital.
Forest industry brings success for Finland
Forest industry companies respond for 1/3 of Finland’s 10 biggest companies measured by GDP. Digitalisation, renewable raw material and customer centric thinking are keys to a succesfull industrial strategy. Fibre based packaging business is forecasted to grow by 3 % until 2025. Great examples presented included Kotkamills having developed an integrated carboard machine able to produce plastic-free cup carton, conversion project of Stora Enso Varkaus Mill including over 20 subprojects as well the biggest investment in the Finnish forest industry’s history, Metsä Group’s Bioproduct Mill, widening the product portfolio of the pulp mill in the future.
Annual Meeting showcased the renewal of PI
During the year 2016 PI renewed a lot. Long-term President and CEO, Pirkko Molkentin-Matilainen, retired and Antti Lindqvist took over the role from the beginning of September. The name of the association was officially changed from Paper Engineers to Forest Products Engineers during the last days of the year. The new name was followed by a renewed brand look and webpages. In addition, traditional projects such as high school campaign, mentorship and international exchange programs were executed. PI was also present in selected international events. Scholarships and awards were given worth of 106 000 € during 2016.
A record amount of new members was welcomed
In the Annual Meeting 27 annual members, 65 student members and 4 company members were accepted to join PI. Many thanks belongs to all members suggesting PI to their colleagues. Feel welcome to join the activities in the autumn and summer whether you are an old or a new member!
9 top speakers were on stage:
- Vesa Vihriälä, Managing Director, Research Institute of the Finnish Economy (Etla)
- Outi Juntti, Senior Principal, Pöyry Management Consulting
- Ari Saarnio, Project Director, Stora Enso
- Markku Hämäläinen, CEO, Kotkamills
- Ilkka Hämälä, CEO, Metsä Fibre
- Jyrki Ovaska, EVP, Technology, UPM
- Lotta Forssell, VP, Marketing and External Communications, Pulp and Energy, Valmet
- Timo Piilonen, Project Director, Finnpulp
- Katja Metsäranta, Production Manager, Sappi