UPM Fibres has unveiled a significant organizational restructure aimed at streamlining its operations in Finland.
The company announced on August 23, 2024, that it will centralize its Finnish production operations under a single top-level organization, effective October 1, 2024.
This strategic move will result in the creation of two distinct production organizations within UPM Fibres: the existing Fibres Uruguay Operations and the new Fibres Finland Operations. The latter will encompass UPM Pulp operations in Finland, as well as UPM Forest and UPM Timber divisions.
In conjunction with this restructuring, UPM Fibres has appointed Petri Hakanen as Senior Vice President of Fibres Finland Operations. Hakanen, who will assume his new role on October 1, 2024, brings a wealth of experience to the position. He previously led the Uruguay Development Project from 2018 to 2023, which culminated in the successful launch of the UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill in April 2023.
Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Technology (CTO) for UPM, Hakanen oversees the company's research and development activities and investment management. He will continue in this capacity until the end of 2024, balancing both roles during the transition period.
Aki Temmes, Executive Vice President of UPM Fibres, expressed confidence in the restructuring, stating, "This organizational change will simplify our business structure and enhance our operational efficiency in Finland."
UPM Fibres, a key component of UPM's diverse portfolio, encompasses pulp and timber businesses, as well as wood sourcing and forestry operations. The division operates three pulp mills in Finland and two in Uruguay, along with four sawmills in Finland. Additionally, UPM Forest manages both company-owned and privately-owned forests in Northern Europe, offering comprehensive forestry services.