In May 2025, we traveled to Kaipola, Finland, to see the factory with our own eyes. The three new machines had just arrived, and we got to meet Jussi Vejko Saloranta, Timo Liimatainen, and André Tops, among others. We also learned about plans that have not yet been made public.
After following the development from a distance for a long time, it felt natural to go there and see everything with our own eyes. In May, some of the Swedish team set off in a minibus towards Kaipola in Finland – many miles, many hours, and much anticipation. For us, the trip was about understanding the whole picture, not through presentations or films, but by actually being there.
When we arrived, we were met by an enormous industrial space, a former paper mill, raw, cold, and completely unglamorous. It was 100 percent factory feeling: large, gray, and concrete. At the same time, it struck us how much space there actually is, premises that in the future can accommodate up to 50 machines. That gave perspective immediately.
A large curtain had been hung up in the hall. Behind it were the three new furnaces that had just arrived. The visit was set up as a kind of release, not with spotlights and glitter, but with industrial weight and clarity. Seeing the machines standing there for real, in their proper environment, made everything much more real.
The event itself was anything but contrived. Cold, large, simple, and very genuine. Meat soup was served, which turned out to be unexpectedly fantastic, and several of us had more than one serving. It was one of those occasions where the contrast between the environment and the commitment made the experience even stronger.
The conversations on site became an important part of the trip. Meeting Jussi Vejko Saloranta in reality confirmed much of the impression one had gained through previous material, the same calm, genuine, and credible person. It was also great fun to finally meet André Tops and Timo Liimatainen, who are deeply involved in the technical aspects and in the work on site in Finland. Meeting in reality gave a completely different dimension than digital meetings.
During the presentations and conversations, we learned about the plans going forward, both regarding establishments in different parts of the world and regarding new systems that will be gradually implemented during 2026. There was a lot of information, but above all, it gave a strong sense of structure, direction, and pace. When you stand there, see the facility, and hear the plans directly from the source, it becomes very clear that this is for real.
For us, the trip meant a lot. Getting to see, feel, and experience everything on site gave another dimension to what we already knew. It created security, understanding, and an even stronger commitment.
It was also great fun to meet other committed people from Sweden who we had previously only had contact with online. Meeting in reality, sharing the trip, laughing, and talking on site is something completely different from digital conversations. It made the trip both warm and memorable.
Factory visits to Finland take place at regular intervals, and for those who feel that “I would also like to go there,” there are opportunities in the future. Please feel free to contact us and we will tell you more about how it works.