Pietarsaari Mill: Deep Roots in the Finnish Paper Industry
Pietarsaari is a city located on the coast of western Finland on the Gulf of Bothnia in the northern part of the Baltic Sea and has deep roots in the Finnish paper and pulp industry. Nestled between the forest and the sea, Pietarsaari has been a site of significant industrial activity since the 1800s, with the paper mill playing a key role in the area’s development.
Early Industrial Development in Pietarsaari
Industrial activity has been ongoing in the area around today’s paper mill in Pietarsaari since 1883. A significant figure driving this development was Wilhelm Schauman, who founded Wilhelm Schauman Oy, a company with a long history in the wood processing industry. Initially, Wilhelm Schauman started with the production of chicory, continuing operations from 1883 and 1960. In 1896, the sawmill on Alholmen was added. He then also founded a steam sawmill and a sugar factory. In the 1960s, he established the sulfate cellulose and paper mill, laying the foundation for today’s paper mill in Pietarsaari.
Construction of a Paper Mill
In November 1960, an impressive construction project began in Pietarsaari. This project would result in a massive production facility with a capacity of 460,000 cubic meters of factory buildings. The ambitious venture included a sulfite pulp mill and a kraft paper mill with an annual production capacity of 80,000 tons. The construction was led by Wilhelm Schauman Oy, and the result was impressive – the largest kraft paper machine in Europe at that time was inaugurated on June 17, 1962, in Pietarsaari. In 1978, the paper machine also began producing white paper.
Renovation with an Eye on the Future
In 1998, a comprehensive machine renovation took place, affecting both quality and production capacity. The drive systems behind the machine were renewed, and a new headbox, wire section, press section, vacuum systems, and pumps were installed. This upgrade increased production capacity from 135,000 tons to 200,000 tons.
In 2012, the paper mill in Jakobstad was acquired by Billerud. Today, the mill is a world-leading manufacturer of sack and kraft paper for food packaging and carrier bags as well as for technical applications. The operations are conducted in the Alholma industrial area in collaboration with UPM, Walki, and Alholmens Kraft.
Our role in our community and the world
With about 110 employees, the mill is a significant employer in Jakobstad and a prominent manufacturer of paper packaging with customers all over the world. Our products are aimed at users with very high demands for strength, durability, flexibility, purity, and printability. Challenging conventional packaging for a sustainable future makes our work meaningful. We make it easy for millions of people around the world to make responsible choices daily when using packaging made from Billerud's paper.