Tetra Pak Production is the only company in Finland that manufactures liquid carton packaging, such as milk cartons, which are familiar from dairy products. The plant produces a staggering 2.5 million cartons per day. They are used to package milk and yoghurt, for example, in various dairies in Finland and Europe.

Imatra in Southeast Finland was chosen as the site of the factory largely for logistical reasons: Imatra is home to one of the world's largest consumer carton factories.

- Our production is located just a few kilometres from the Stora Enso board mill, where we get our main raw material. Thanks to good transport connections, the finished products can also be delivered to the end customers quickly, even in just hours, says Timo Ylitalo, Process Manager at the Imatra unit, who has been involved in its operation from the very beginning.

Tetra Pak has been operating in the Mansikkala company building, close to road 6, since 2011. The rented premises designed for Tetra Pak are owned by Mitra, the premises company of the City of Imatra, which also carried out the modifications required for production in the building within six months. The factory was up and running in record time after the decision to locate. The modern production facilities are also flexible and Mitra is responsible for further development of the premises if required.

- The building has been practically rebuilt to meet our needs. Our production requires a high level of hygiene, which dictates very specific requirements for the premises, says Ylitalo.

Cooperation is easy in Imatra

It is not always easy to find skilled staff for the industrial manufacturing process. Imatra has a long tradition as a factory town, which, according to Timo Ylitalo, has greatly helped in recruiting the right workforce. In addition, training cooperation with the local vocational college Sampo has worked very well. Tetra Pak has also been able to offer students internships and summer jobs.

The large factories located in South Karelia also help with the availability of maintenance services. Cooperation with other factories and the availability of maintenance services in general in the region is critical in case of breakdowns and maintenance.

Tetra Pak's product development is mainly carried out in the company's home country of Sweden, but local research and development work will also be increased, for example with LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University. Production already makes extensive use of modern robotics for heavy tasks requiring simple repetitions.

- In Imatra, the cooperation is working. It's easy to get important parties around the same table when needed, for example with the help of the Development Company," Ylitalo says.

For more information:

Timo Ylitalo
Timo Yitalo, Process Manager
Timo Timo Sitalo, Tetra Pak Production, Imatra Factory
Timo Pak, Timo Pak, Imada, Immaty, Timo Pak, Timo Pak.com