Tetra Pak Production is the only company in Finland manufacturing liquid carton packages familiar from dairy products, such as milk cartons. The factory produces an impressive 2.5 million carton packages daily. These are used to package milk and yogurt for various dairies in Finland and Europe.
The factory was located in Imatra primarily for logistical reasons: Imatra hosts one of the world's largest consumer board mills.
"Our production is just a few kilometers from Stora Enso's board mill, from which we receive our main raw material. Finished products can also be delivered to end customers quickly, thanks to good transport connections, sometimes in just a few hours," says Process Manager Timo Ylitalo, who has been involved with the Imatra unit from the beginning.
Tetra Pak has been operating in the Mansikkala business building, near Highway 6, since 2011. The leased premises, designed for Tetra Pak, are owned by the City of Imatra's real estate company Mitra, which also carried out the necessary modifications for production within six months. The factory was launched in record time after the location decision. The modern production facilities are also flexible, and Mitra is responsible for further development of the premises if needed.
"The building has been practically rebuilt to meet our needs. Our production requires a high level of hygiene, which dictates strict special requirements for the facilities," Ylitalo clarifies.
Collaboration Works in Imatra
Finding skilled personnel for industrial manufacturing processes is not always easy. Imatra's long-standing tradition as a factory town has greatly aided in recruiting suitable labor, according to Ylitalo. Additionally, educational cooperation with the local vocational school Sampo has been very successful. Tetra Pak has been able to offer students internships and summer jobs.businesssouthkarelia.fi
The large factories located in South Karelia also help with the availability of maintenance services. Cooperation with other factory operators and the overall availability of maintenance services in the area are critical during disruptions and maintenance.
Tetra Pak's product development mainly takes place in the company's home country, Sweden, but there are plans to increase local research and development work, for example, with LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University. The production already utilizes a lot of modern robotics in heavy and repetitive tasks.
"Collaboration works in Imatra. It's easy to bring important parties to the same table when needed, for example, with the help of the Development Company," Ylitalo praises.
Further Information:
Timo Ylitalo
Process Manager
Tetra Pak Production, Imatra Factory
