Westas Pihlava sawmill 150 Years

This year, Westas Pihlava celebrates a significant milestone – the 150th anniversary of the historic Pihlava sawmill. Originally founded in 1875, the sawmill has been part of the Westas Group since 2013. Over the past decade, we have proudly continued its long tradition in wood processing, developing the operations with modern technology and sustainable forestry at the core.

During this anniversary year, we want to honour both the rich history of the sawmill and the progress made under Westas ownership. We are proud of all our current and former employees and partners who, with their dedication and professionalism, have shaped Westas Pihlava into what it is today – and what it will become in the future.

A shared effort in forestry and the work goes on. Located by the Kokemäenjoki River near the Port of Pori, the historically Swedish-owned Pihlava sawmill was acquired by industrialist Antti Ahlström in 1889. Over the years, it grew into the flagship of Ahlström’s sawmill operations. In 2013, Pihlava joined the Westas Group through an acquisition and came under the ownership of Pekka Kopra.

Heroes of a shared journey

The sawmill industry has long been a pioneer in industrial innovation, adopting technologies like steam power, electricity, and automation in production. Westas Pihlava continues this tradition of forward-thinking.

We honour both history and the future. Throughout its history, the Pihlava Sawmill has provided employment for many. Its success today is built on collaboration. Finnish craftsmanship will continue to be our pride and focus. We have invested millions of euros in the mill to ensure that the joint effort continues – for the next 150 years and beyond.

Stories from the Sawmill

“They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But these computers have made my work so much easier — really. I used to go around with just a pen and paper checking the same things.”

– Harri Kojo, Dispatch Supervisor

“I sort the loads coming from the drying kiln by dimension and make sure the sawn timber flows smoothly through the process. Most of the grading is done with cameras, but I also carry out manual quality control.”

– Vesa Lilja, Quality Controller

“Forklift work, packaging, mechanical maintenance and filling in at the kiln – that’s how I ended up here. Today, I’m responsible for the timber kilns, planning the drying sequences and schedules for both kiln channels and chambers.”

– Janne Kuusikari, Kiln Supervisor

“I’ve spent 17 years at this sawmill, the last six in maintenance. My work includes preventive maintenance, ordering spare parts and making sure everything runs smoothly.”

– Harri Lengman, Maintenance Technician

Westas Magazine – An in-depth overview from forest to sawmill

To celebrate the anniversary of the Pihlava sawmill, this special edition of Westas Magazine features memories from along the way, current news, and expert insights into the wood industry’s market outlook.

Read the special anniversary issue

The History Book of the Pihlava Sawmill

CUTTING EDGE – THE PIHLAVA SAWMILL 1875–2025
By Sakari Siltala

The Pihlava sawmill was founded in 1875 on islets of the Kokemäenjoki River delta, on Finland’s west coast. Logs were driven to the logistical hub from the country’s dense inland forests. Barges carried boards and planks from the sawmill to the Reposaari harbour, from where they were steamed off to all corners to the world.

 

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Industrial heritage from the west coast of Finland

Pihlava Sawmill is rich in western Finland’s industrial history – a heritage still present in our work today. Thanks to modern production technology, the sawmill focuses on high-efficiency manufacturing of premium spruce and pine sawn timber – both now and into the future. And for that, we need Finnish forest owners whose trust we’ve earned over the years. We know the forest – and we value our customers.

Photo Gallery

A journey into sawmill history

150 years of Pihlava Sawmill is a story full of memories, change, and meaningful moments. In our photo gallery, you can take a peek into the past – into the work, the everyday life, the people, and the machines of the sawmill.
Welcome on a journey through the history of Finnish sawmilling.