FINLAND – Valio, Finland’s leading dairy company, has announced plans to close its factory in Vantaa and relocate its warehouse operations from the Pitäjänmäki district of Helsinki. 

These strategic decisions are a response to both market demands and urban zoning regulations affecting industrial activities in residential areas​.

The Vantaa plant, known for producing a range of processed cheeses for local consumption and export, will shift its operations to the Joensuu facility, located in a vibrant milk production region​.

The relocation is expected to streamline production by reducing transportation needs and increasing productivity; over 40% of the cheeses packaged in Vantaa originate from Joensuu​

Valio’s executive vice president of operations, Juha Penttilä, explained that consolidating production lines in a single location would enhance efficiency and allow for better utilization of resources​.

The impending closures will affect approximately 341 employees: 228 workers at the Vantaa factory and 113 at the Pitäjänmäki warehouse​.

Valio has initiated discussions with the affected staff, with the aim of providing alternative employment opportunities within the company. Despite these changes, Valio remains committed to its workforce and is seeking to minimize the impact on its employees​.

The Pitäjänmäki warehouse’s closure is particularly tied to the Helsinki city government’s master plan, which designates the area for urban residential development, effectively eliminating the possibility of future industrial activities​.

.The facility serves as a logistics hub for Valio’s diverse range of dairy products, including cheese, butter, and spreads. 

The planned closure of this warehouse is scheduled for late 2027, while the Vantaa plant’s closure will occur in phases between 2025 and 2027​.

These strategic changes come on the heels of Valio’s recent €70 million investment in the modernization of its Seinäjoki milk processing plant.

This investment reflects Valio’s commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and meeting evolving consumer demands in a competitive market​

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