Metsä Group: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

Overview

Metsä Group is a Finnish forest industry group operating internationally, utilizing sustainably managed northern wood to produce renewable products. The company is a cooperative owned by approximately 90,000 Finnish forest owners, with its parent company, Metsäliitto Cooperative, established in 1947. Metsä Group's operations encompass five primary business areas:

Wood Supply and Forest Services: Managing wood procurement and providing forestry services.

Wood Products Industry (Metsä Wood): Producing wood products such as sawn timber and plywood.

Pulp and Sawn Timber Industry (Metsä Fibre): Manufacturing pulp and sawn timber.

Paperboard Industry (Metsä Board): Producing paperboards.

Tissue and Greaseproof Papers (Metsä Tissue): Manufacturing tissue papers and greaseproof papers.

In 2023, Metsä Group reported sales of €6.11 billion and employed approximately 9,464 people.

Mission and Vision

Metsä Group's mission is to create sustainable growth by utilizing renewable wood resources responsibly and efficiently. The company aims to be a forerunner in the bioeconomy, offering products that promote the well-being of people and the environment.

Industry Significance

As one of the largest forest industry groups globally, Metsä Group plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management and utilization of forest resources. Its diverse product portfolio and commitment to innovation contribute significantly to the bioeconomy sector.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Metsä Group focuses on sustainable growth by investing in renewable products, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding its market presence, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Areas of Specialization

Sustainable Forestry: Implementing regenerative forestry practices to ensure the health and productivity of forests.

Product Innovation: Developing new bioproducts and alternatives to fossil-based materials.

Circular Economy: Maximizing the use of wood at every phase to promote recycling and reduce waste.

Key Technologies Utilized

Metsä Group employs advanced technologies in its production processes, including automation and energy efficiency improvements, to enhance product quality and operational sustainability.

Primary Markets

The company's primary markets include Europe, Asia, and North America, with a strong emphasis on Europe.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Metsä Group operates as a cooperative, with funding primarily sourced from its owner-members and reinvested earnings. The company has undertaken significant investments in recent years, including a €1.85 billion investment in a new bioproduct mill in Kemi, Finland, marking the largest investment ever made by the Finnish forest industry in Finland.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details about recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed, as Metsä Group's cooperative structure primarily relies on internal funding mechanisms.

Notable Investors

As a cooperative, Metsä Group's investors are its member-owners, approximately 90,000 Finnish forest owners.

Utilization of Capital

The capital is utilized for sustainable growth initiatives, including investments in new production facilities, technological advancements, and research and development to enhance product offerings and operational efficiency.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Metsä Group is actively developing several projects:

Bioproduct Mill in Kemi, Finland: A €1.85 billion investment to establish a new bioproduct mill, representing the largest investment in the Finnish forest industry.

Kerto LVL Mill in Äänekoski, Finland: Plans for a new Kerto LVL mill to enhance production capacity.

Folding Boxboard Mill in Kaskinen, Finland: Development of a new folding boxboard mill to meet market demand.

Stages of Development

These projects are in various stages, from planning to construction, with some expected to commence operations in the near future.

Target Conditions

The developments aim to address the growing demand for sustainable and renewable products in the bioeconomy sector.

Anticipated Milestones

Completion and operationalization of these facilities are anticipated in the coming years, contributing to Metsä Group's growth and market expansion.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Metsä Group utilizes proprietary technologies in its production processes, focusing on automation and energy efficiency to enhance product quality and operational sustainability.

Significant Scientific Methods

The company employs advanced scientific methodologies in its research and development efforts, including the use of machine learning algorithms and other data-driven approaches to optimize production processes and product development.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Jussi Vanhanen: Appointed as President and CEO in 2025, Jussi brings extensive experience in the forest industry and has been instrumental in leading Metsä Group's strategic initiatives.

Jaakko Anttila: Chief Operating Officer, responsible for overseeing Metsä Group's operational activities and ensuring the efficiency of production processes.

Jussi Linnaranta: Vice Chairman of the Executive Board, contributing to strategic decision-making and governance within the company.

Katariina Saelan: Senior Vice President of Communication, leading Metsä Group's communication strategies and initiatives.

Tomi Seppa: Vice President and Mill Manager at the Kemi Paperboard Mill, overseeing operations and strategic development at the facility.

Leadership Changes

In 2025, Jussi Vanhanen was appointed as the new President and CEO, succeeding the previous leadership and bringing a fresh perspective to Metsä Group's strategic direction.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The forest industry sector is characterized by a growing emphasis on sustainability and renewable products. Metsä Group competes with several key players in the industry, including:

UPM: A Finnish company specializing in biofuels, biochemicals, and paper products.

Stora Enso: A global provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wood, and paper.

Sappi: A global company focused on dissolving wood pulp, paper, and paper-based products.

Competitor Analysis

UPM: Known for its strong presence in the biofuel and biochemicals markets, UPM emphasizes sustainable practices and innovation.

Stora Enso: A leader in renewable materials, Stora Enso focuses on sustainable solutions and has a diverse product portfolio.

Sappi: Specializes in dissolving wood pulp and paper products, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

Competitive Landscape

Metsä Group operates in a competitive landscape with these key players, each striving to lead in sustainability and innovation within the forest industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

Metsä Group has engaged in various collaborations to enhance its sustainability efforts, including:

Valmet: In November 2023, Metsä Group and Valmet announced a joint initiative to develop a comprehensive sustainability model for industrial investment projects, aiming to ensure environmental responsibility in technology and maintenance investments.

Strategic Importance

These collaborations are crucial for Metsä Group to strengthen its market position, drive innovation, and achieve its sustainability objectives.