Valio is investing approximately EUR 70 million to modernize and overhaul the Seinäjoki production plant. The investments cover the construction of a new washing center for the powder plant, modernization of the powder plant’s drying tower and process overhaul, as well as construction of a new regional laboratory facility at the Seinäjoki site. The set of investments is scheduled for 2023–2026. The investments will increase the production plant’s capacity and improve operational and energy efficiency.

Valio’s Seinäjoki plant is one of Valio’s most diverse in terms of its product range and one of the largest in terms of milk processing volume. Among the products produced at Seinäjoki are all Valio butters, Valio Oivariini spreads, quark, cottage cheeses, Valio Profeel quarks and puddings, and specialty milk powders for industrial customers.

“The significant investments in the plant and the regional laboratory operations will secure Seinäjoki’s diverse production of fresh products, fats and industrial powders well into the future and strengthen Valio’s profitability and employment capabilities in the Seinäjoki region,” says Seinäjoki Plant Director Jari Sivunen.

New multipurpose tower will bring added production capacity for specialty milk powders

The overhaul of the drying process at the powder plant, which will begin in autumn 2024, will provide additional production capacity for the specialty milk powders produced in Seinäjoki, which are a key element of Valio’s strategy. More than 80% of the milk powders are exported. The Seinäjoki plant produces specialty milk powders mainly for international industrial customers who use them to make confections, bakery products and baby food, among other things. Specialty milk powders can be used to make products that are, e.g., lactose-free, high in protein, lower in sugar and yet of an excellent texture.

The new multipurpose tower and the process upgrade will give the plant added production capacity for both conventional and specialty milk powders. The modern technology will also improve the energy efficiency of the powder production process. The investment will be completed by the end of 2026.

New washing center will reduce water consumption and chemical use

The Seinäjoki powder plant’s washing cent will be modernized along with the reception of the raw chemicals used in the washing process. The new washing center will be operational by the end of 2025. The new washing center will take care of the powder plant’s washing process, recycle the washing water used in the plant’s production process, and serve as a reception point for the washing chemicals.

“A modern washing center recovers almost 90% of the washing chemicals, and they can be reused. This significantly reduces chemical use, water consumption, and the volume of wastewater at the production plant,” notes Jari Sivunen.

New laboratory facilities

The regional laboratory attached to the Seinäjoki plant is where the composition and quality of the milk from every Valio farm is analyzed. The laboratory also carries out all the analyses required for the Valio Seinäjoki plant’s production.

“The old laboratory facilities have reached the end of their useful life. The completely new laboratory building now under construction will be completed by the end of 2024. The Seinäjoki plant is an important flagship export factory for Valio. Modern laboratory facilities are essential for the quality control of products so that we can meet the ever-increasing demands of our customers,” says Jari Sivunen.

The laboratory analyses, among other things, feed samples sent in by Valio’s milk producers and cooperatives. Each year, 1.7 million samples are analyzed – an unmatched number on a Finnish scale.

In 2023, the Seinäjoki plant received about 25% of milk produced by Valio’s dairy farms. There are a total of three production plants at the Seinäjoki site: powder, fat, and fresh product plants. Every year, approximately 130 million kilos of fresh products, powders and fats are produced in Seinäjoki. Nearly 60% of the plant’s production is exported. The plant is a significant employer regionally, employing some 450 industry professionals in a variety of positions such as packaging, manufacturing, laboratory, maintenance, and various specialist and managerial roles.