Westas plans sawmill modernization in Pihlava, Finland
The Finnish sawmill company Westas plans to modernize its sawmill in Pihlava, Porin, by upgrading its log sorting system, which requires filling a small part of Pihlavanlahti bay. According to the company’s CEO, Pekka Kopra, the current sorting system has been in use for approximately 25 years and is at the end of its lifespan. The new sorting system will be around 200 meters long, making it impossible to fit within the current site. The investment is valued at between 4 to 5 million euros.
Westas has submitted an application to the regional administrative agency for a water permit to fill over 3,700 square meters of water area. Additionally, the company is seeking an extended permit for the filling area, which could expand to a maximum of 6,000 square meters. This new area would be adjacent to the existing site. According to Westas, the filling does not pose a significant threat to the waterway, as Pihlavanlahti is environmentally significant, with the Kokemäenjoki river flowing into the Selkämere nearby.
Construction could start as early as 2026, assuming that all goes according to plan. The log sorting system will automatically process logs coming into the sawmill, sorting them based on their length and diameter with the help of cameras and x-ray equipment. CEO Kopra emphasized the need for additional sorting compartments, necessitating a larger space.
Westas currently employs 60 workers and seven staff members in the region. The Pihlava sawmill will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year. Over the past decade, the company has invested around 28 million euros in the area and aims to maintain its presence in Pihlava. Despite challenges posed by inflation and low construction activity linked to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the closure of Russian timber from European markets has improved the mill’s competitive position. More than 85% of its production is exported, primarily to Central Europe, as well as other regions, including Asia and North Africa, totaling exports to 35 different countries each year.