Huhtamaki is investing approximately EUR 11 million to have a new manufacturing facility built in Hämeenlinna, Finland. Manufacturing operations will be transferred from the current facility that has been built in the 60's to a new, modern facility. Construction work is planned to begin during spring 2018 and the new facility is expected to begin operations in spring 2019. The majority of the investment takes place during 2018.

"Today's busy on-the-go lifestyle increases demand for takeaway foods and drinks. This creates growth opportunities for us, and with the investment we are better able to capture those," says Maisa Katila, General Manager for Huhtamaki Foodservice Nordics.

As part of the investment the Hämeenlinna unit's machine base will also be partially renewed and automation will be increased. Competitiveness will also be improved by designing the new facility according to Lean manufacturing principles and improving the flow of goods and minimizing unnecessary traffic within production. The modernization of the manufacturing facility will also improve workplace safety and ergonomics.

"Hämeenlinna is a good location for our manufacturing unit. We have skilled and experienced employees here and we source our main raw material from nearby. With the new facility we can serve our customers in the Nordic and Baltic countries even better," says General Manager Katila.