The Finnish cooperative dairy Valio is planning to move production from its cheese plant in Vantaa to the Joensuu dairy facility, as well as relocate warehouse operations from Helsinki’s Pitäjänmäki.

If implemented, the plan would lead to the closure of both the Vantaa cheese plant and the Pitäjänmäki warehouse. The goal of these relocations is to improve production efficiency and profitability. Location also plays a role in the decision; the Joensuu facility is in a major dairy-producing area and already manufactures cheese. Additionally, the Pitäjänmäki area in Helsinki is designated for urban residential development, making future industrial operations there unfeasible, according to a Valio press release.

Valio is now initiating negotiations with employees at both facilities. The Vantaa dairy employs 228 people, while the Pitäjänmäki warehouse employs 113. Based on the current plan, closures would occur in phases between 2025 and 2027.

Valio employs around 4,300 people in total, with 3,700 based in Finland, and is owned by approximately 3,300 Finnish shareholders.

Read the full press release HERE