Valio Consolidates Cheese Production with €30m Joensuu Investment

In a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency and consolidate its production footprint, Finnish dairy cooperative Valio has announced a €30 million investment in its Joensuu facility. This capital infusion is earmarked for the expansion of the plant's cheese maturation warehouse and the integration of advanced automation technologies.

The Joensuu plant, situated in a key milk-producing region of North Karelia, currently processes milk fr om approximately 800 dairy farms and is responsible for producing one-third of Valio's cheese output. Notably, over 40% of the cheese processed at Valio's Vantaa facility originates from Joensuu, underscoring the strategic importance of this site.

Valio's decision to centralize operations in Joensuu involves the gradual relocation of activities from the Vantaa plant, which specializes in processed cheeses, shreds, slices, and meat substitute products. The consolidation aims to streamline production processes, reduce transportation needs, and enhance overall productivity. However, this transition is expected to impact approximately 350 employees, with Valio committed to offering alternative employment opportunities within the company wh ere possible.

The investment in Joensuu aligns with Valio's broader strategy to modernize its production facilities and reinforce its position in the dairy industry. By leveraging automation and expanding its maturation capacity, Valio seeks to meet growing demand while maintaining high-quality standards.

This development is part of a series of significant investments by Valio, including over €60 million allocated to upgrade its Lapinlahti cheese manufacturing plant and more than €10 million dedicated to enhancing preprocessing capabilities at its Suonenjoki facility. 

Through these strategic initiatives, Valio demonstrates a commitment to operational excellence and long-term sustainability in the competitive dairy sector.