Henri Häggblom, whose father Ingmar Häggblom contributed to Juuso Walden's nomination to the Hall of Fame, and Walden's daughter Riitta Wrede at a celebration in Appleton.
The late mining engineer Juuso Walden (1907–1972) was inducted into the U.S. Paper Industry Hall of Fame in October 2012. Walden was named to the Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Appleton, Wisconsin, where Juuso Walden's daughter Riitta Wrede received the honor.
According to the selection criteria, Juuso Walden was one of the most important and visible leaders of Finnish industry. Thanks to him, the UMP factories became exemplary plants in Finnish industry.
Juuso Walden worked from 1940 to 1969 as the CEO of United Paper Mills Oy (later UPM), founded by his father, General Rudolf Walden. In the 1950s, Walden expanded the company significantly, and under his leadership it became a multi-industry company. The company produced a wide range of paper and board, and later also raw materials and components for the paper industry.
The company-owned Kaipola factory became the largest of its kind outside North America in the early 1960s.
Walden was very interested in the well-being of his staff, and he also had housing built for his employees. Walden was also interested in sports and hired several top athletes to work for UPM.
Juuso Walden retired in 1970 and died in 1972.
Professor Hannu Paulapuro from Finland was also named to the Hall of Fame this year.
