"The hobby of flea markets and recycling clothes that I started as a teenager has certainly been a factor in my career choice," says Billerud AB's new Pietarsaari factory manager. Marjo Santanen.
Santanen started as factory manager at the beginning of 2025. At the same time, he became the CEO of the Finnish subsidiary of Billerud Oy, a Swedish company that manufactures paper, board and cardboard.
The new tasks were smoothly integrated into everyday work.
“Taking over the management of the factory went smoothly, as I previously worked as the factory's production manager. My retired predecessor was also thorough and open in transferring knowledge, he trained me well.”
As CEO of Billerud Oy, Santanen has been involved in updating the company's strategy since last autumn.
According to Santanen, Billerud is doing well in the sustainability competition.
"At the core of the company's brand is high technical expertise and first-class production, which also takes into account the requirements of sustainability. It also keeps me involved in the development."
Industry has always interested Santana as a career choice, but the metal or technology industries, for example, didn't feel like her thing.
“My choice was influenced by my values about nature and the environment I grew up in, where the forest industry was prominent,” says Santanen, who grew up in Juva, South Savo.
He went to Lappeenranta to study environmental technology. His studies also sparked an interest in industrial processes.
My diploma thesis took me to Pietarsaari
During his studies, Santanen went to Stora Enso in Imatra for a summer job at a wastewater treatment plant. Then it was time for his final project.
“It was a time of economic crisis and I was looking for a job after my master’s degree for a really long time.”
Finally, the time came – UPM's research center was looking for someone who had some understanding of forest industry wastewater treatment.
"I'm not sure, but I strongly suspect that I was the only candidate with work experience in the subject. I got the job and only found out during the interview that, oh yeah, it's in Pietarsaari, is that okay?"
Pietarsaari was a good fit.
"I had also applied for a position abroad but had not been accepted. Pietarsaari also suited my life situation."
Staffing challenges
When talking about the image of the forest industry, Santanen says he has noticed that the training programs of the industry's educational institutions are now mostly focused on the bioeconomy. Paper and cardboard, with their words and machines, have been eliminated.
According to him, it can also obscure students' knowledge of the forest industry and the job and career opportunities it offers. This could also jeopardize the recruitment of new experts.
"We work hard to recruit experts. Of course, the fact that the factories are located relatively far away in Finland also makes it difficult to find experts."
According to Santanen, the situation in Sweden is challenging in another way.
"There are more factories there, even near larger cities. People can be hired, but there is also a high turnover of workers."
Three tips for students:
1. There is no need to be afraid of challenges and responsibility. Both are available and worth taking on.
2. You don't have to be completely prepared, meeting challenges and taking responsibility will help you grow.
3. Those considering their field of study should also consider where the money will come from. There are of course other export sectors, but the forest industry will continue to be an essential part of our industry and offers interesting jobs both in Finland and abroad.
