Stora Enso’s Honkalahti sawmill has reached a major milestone, celebrating 120 years of continuous contribution to Finland’s wood processing industry. Since its establishment in 1906, the facility has developed from a regional sawmill into an internationally recognised production site supplying sawn timber and value-added wood products to customers across several global markets.
The anniversary reflects more than a century of industrial development, technological progress and workforce dedication. Throughout its history, the sawmill has adapted to changing market demands while maintaining a strong focus on quality and efficient use of timber resources.
A Strong Foundation Built in 1906
The Honkalahti sawmill was established after the Imperial Senate of Finland approved the company’s Articles of Association on 5 October 1906. Operations officially began later that year under Honkalahden Puutavara Osakeyhtiö.
Production started with an annual capacity of 45,000 cubic metres. The business quickly became an important employer within the local community. Skilled workers formed the backbone of its early success.
The sawmill expanded steadily. Local economic development was supported from the beginning.
Expansion Under Hackman & Co
A significant turning point came in 1910 when Hackman & Co acquired the business.
The new ownership accelerated investment and operational growth. Workforce numbers increased rapidly during the following decades. Employment reached several hundred people during the 1920s as reforms in working practices and production improvements were introduced.
Major modernisation programmes were undertaken during the 1930s. Most production equipment was replaced with more advanced machinery.
Additional facilities were also constructed. A planing mill and a box factory strengthened the company’s ability to produce higher-value wood products.
Further processing became an important part of the business model.
Supporting Finland Through War and Reconstruction
The 1940s brought new responsibilities for the sawmill.
Alongside traditional sawn timber production, military dugouts, barracks and wooden houses were manufactured. After the Second World War, these products formed part of Finland’s war reparations to the Soviet Union.
Infrastructure was expanded during this period.
A new power plant was constructed using sawdust as fuel. A railway connection was also established between the sawmill and Joutseno station, improving transport efficiency.
The workforce contributed to Finland’s post-war reconstruction while continuing industrial production.
Modernisation Drove Industrial Growth
Large-scale investments continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Sawmill lines were modernised. Sorting systems were upgraded. Artificial timber drying became fully integrated into operations.
Production capacity increased to approximately 150,000 cubic metres annually.
Computer-assisted production planning was adopted at an early stage. This strengthened operational efficiency well ahead of many industry peers.
Employment also reached its highest levels during this period.
Nearly 700 people worked at the site, making the sawmill a central part of regional economic life.
Innovation Continued Through Energy and Processing
Further technological progress was achieved during the 1970s.
The Honkalahti sawmill became the first industrial facility in Finland to switch to natural gas in 1974. This marked an important step towards more efficient energy use.
Greater emphasis was also placed on value-added manufacturing.
Panel products and do-it-yourself building materials were developed for export markets across Europe. At that time, the workforce approached 1,000 employees.
Operational efficiency remained a priority during the 1980s and 1990s.
Production processes were streamlined and investments continued.
Ownership was transferred to Enso-Gutzeit Oy in 1991.
Modern sawmill lines, finger-jointing technology and expanded planing operations significantly increased production capability. The facility strengthened its position among Europe’s leading sawmills.
A Global Supplier with Sustainable Production
Investment in advanced wood processing continued throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
Today, the Honkalahti sawmill manufactures sawn timber alongside engineered wood products, including glued and finger-jointed components for the window, door and construction industries.
The commissioning of a new power plant in 2017 represented another important milestone.
The use of natural gas was completely phased out. Renewable energy solutions are now utilised in production.
The sawmill currently has an annual production capacity of around 330,000 cubic metres of sawn timber and approximately 70,000 cubic metres of processed wood products.
Its products are exported throughout Europe as well as to North Africa, the Middle East, Japan, the United States and Australia.
Skilled Employees Remain at the Heart of Success
The Honkalahti sawmill now operates as part of Stora Enso’s Imatra business unit.
According to Janne Kallio, Executive Vice President of the Imatra business unit, the expertise and commitment of employees have remained central to the sawmill’s long-term success. Efficient use of raw materials and the replacement of non-renewable materials with renewable alternatives continue to support the company’s strategic objectives.
Mill Manager Ilkka Nuutinen also highlighted the strong community spirit that has developed over generations. For many families, the sawmill has represented more than a workplace. It has remained an important part of local life for over a century.
The 120th anniversary was celebrated during July with a dedicated staff event on the shores of the sawmill. The celebrations included the summer theatre production Saha Saimaa rantalla (“Sawmill on the Shore of Lake Saimaa”), recognising the facility’s long history and its lasting contribution to both the regional community and Finland’s wood processing industry.
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