Manu Kalliokoski works as the operations manager of the Simpele mill's power plant. The power plant produces electricity and process steam for the mill, which manufactures folding carton for food and pharmaceutical packaging. He talks about the history and operations of the mill, which was founded in 1896, in a conference room with a view of Lake Simpele. Simpele is now part of Rautjärvi municipality and is also its municipal center.
The mill's current board machine was commissioned in 1970 and has been modernized and capacity increased several times since then. The most recent, a 60 million euro renovation, was completed in October 2025.
Modernization of the Simpele factory
The investment, completed in October 2025, further improved the printing quality of the world-renowned, lightweight and high-quality MetsäBoard Classic FBB folding boxboard. The renovation modernized the coating section of the production line, expanded the pasta kitchen and introduced a new pallet packaging line.
At the same time, the mill took a big leap towards fossil-free production. The use of LPG was discontinued, and the goal of completely fossil-free production by 2030 is now significantly closer. This is a common goal for the entire Metsä Board.
“98 percent of our energy use is already fossil-free,” says Kalliokoski.
“As fuel, we use wood and forest chips, bark, sawdust and sewage treatment plant sludge – the forest industry’s own by-products that are recycled back into the process.”
According to Kalliokoski, such a large-scale investment demonstrates the importance of the mill in Metsä Board's overall operations and strengthens faith in the long-term future of the Simpele mill.
Path to becoming an operations manager
Manu Kalliokoski first studied at a vocational school to become an electrical and automation engineer and then worked as an electrician at Metsä Wood's Punkaharju factory. After the army, he studied energy technology at Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences.
After his first year of study, Kalliokoski came to work for the summer at the Simpele factory.
“I spent a couple of summers and one autumn here,” he recalls.
Towards the end of his studies, he headed to Metsä Fibre's Äänekoski bioproduct mill (formerly Metsä Fibre Äänekoski) as an operator.
“There I learned practical everyday life that you don’t learn at school.”
Kalliokoski continued his studies and obtained his Master of Science (Engineering) degree from LUT University.
"After that, I spent half a year with a computer doing data processing work, before returning to Simpele, this time as an operations engineer."
When the previous operations manager moved to project work three years ago, Kalliokoski was appointed as his successor.
The operations manager is responsible for the operation of the power plant. Manu Kalliokoski, operating engineer Lauri Mölsä and 15 employees. The clerical staff work weekly hours, while the operators work in continuous three-shift work and keep the plant running 24/7. The operations manager is the supervisor of the operations engineer, and the operations engineer is the supervisor of the employees.
"We have a good spirit here and work is going well. In addition to that, we talk about many other things and see each other even when we're not around."
Kalliokoski doesn't recognize the fear of God in his colleagues. The relationships are uncomplicated, and they can talk about even difficult things.
Problem solver and developer
Kalliokoski, who is responsible for planning operations and supervising maintenance and production, starts his work day by reading diaries, examining safety observations, and checking maintenance notifications.
“If there is an acute daily process or maintenance task that requires attention, I tackle it,” he describes.
Kalliokoski lights up when he gets to solve problems. The best moments of work are those when a fault is found and the causes that are disrupting operations are clarified.
The work combines technical expertise with an attitude of continuous development and personal growth. The rhythm of the year is driven by budgeting, reporting, and information submitted to authorities.
“In the autumn, the budget for the following year is prepared, and annual reporting starts at the turn of the year,” describes Kalliokoski.
The reporting required by various parties has increased steadily. For example, data on fuel volumes, sustainability and carbon dioxide emissions is collected for the Energy Authority.
Kalliokoski is fascinated by the comprehensiveness and long-term nature of his work. He ensures the efficiency, safety and compliance with environmental requirements of the plant. As part of a close-knit team, Kalliokoski identifies opportunities to improve the plant's efficiency, develops processes and ensures that production meets quality and environmental targets.
"Piece by piece, we are using various technical solutions to reduce fossil carbon dioxide emissions. Six years ago they were 75,000 tons, and now, with the investment made this autumn, fossil carbon dioxide emissions will drop to around 2,000 tons annually," he says with satisfaction.
The work also includes planning shutdowns and coordinating personnel training.
"It's great to see people develop and grow in their work. Working with professionals also brings you security," says Kalliokoski, praising the cooperation and teamwork.
Manu Kalliokoski's duties also include supervising the use of pressure equipment. He is responsible for equipment safety and the qualifications of personnel working with the equipment at the power plant and the paperboard mill.
Return to home islands and fishing grounds
Almost everyone in Simpele and the surrounding region has some connection to the factory.
“If you're not working yourself, then you're probably working with acquaintances and relatives,” laughs Kalliokoski, who was born in the region.
“Although I didn't consciously aim for this, looking back, this career path has been a natural direction,” he smiles.
Kalliokoski grew up in Parikkala, near Simpele, close to two Metsä Group production plants: the Metsä Wood Punkaharju mill and the Simpele board mill. He moved back to his hometown a few years ago when the 80-kilometer commute from Lappeenranta began to feel too long. A home in the Parikkala municipal center began to appeal.
"The services are good and nature is nearby. The village center is also on the lake. You really have everything here," he sums up.
In his free time, Kalliokoski is most often found on fishing trips to Simpelejärvi – the same lake that can be seen from the windows of the factory’s conference room. He and his friend bought a shared boat and headed for the pike-perch and perch. The season begins with the departure of the ice and ends with the arrival of the autumn ice. The Simpele tourism website says that at least 13 species of fish can be found on the lake, of which the original Simpele lake whitefish is mentioned as a specialty. The catch can include vendace, whitefish, trout, zander, pike and perch.
Manu Kalliokoski cooks the fish himself. Today, pike-perch and perch fillets are waiting in the fridge. He usually puts the fillets in a baking dish and puts a little cream on top.
“Now you could fry them in a pan,” he smiles.
Fishing also means a shared fun competition for Kalliokoski:
"It's fun for us, even though we're in real competitions. A third of our fishing crew lives in Joensuu."
Manu Kalliokoski returned to ice hockey after a few years. Other factory workers also play in the same group on the open ice at Simpele. Football also has a long tradition at Simpele. The sport brings together colleagues for the same leisure games.
Five facts about Metsä Board's Simpele mill
1. The Simpele mill, owned by Metsä Board Corporation, part of Metsä Group, is located in South Karelia. The mill is managed by Toni Tahvanainen.
2. Simpele factory history dates back to 1896. The mill was started in late 1906 under the ownership of Aktiebolaget Simpele, producing printing, wrapping and wallpaper paper, and was one of the first sanding mills in Finland to operate with electric motors. In 1920, the mill was merged with Yhtyneet Paperitehtaat Oy, which owned it until 1997, when it was transferred to Metsä-Serla Oyj (now Metsä Board Oyj). Paper machine PM1 was closed in 2010, and at the same time investments were made in board production. In 2011, folding boxboard capacity was increased by 80,000 tonnes, making the KK3 machine the largest in Europe. In 2025, the mill implemented
60 million euro modernization.
3. Approximately 230 employees The board mill, which employs 310 people, manufactures Metsä-Board Classic FBB folding boxboard. The mill's production capacity is 000 t/a.
4. MetsäBoard Classic FBB is a lightweight and rigid, fully coated folding boxboard. Due to its hygienic properties, the board is particularly suitable for packaging sensitive products. End uses include food, beverage, frozen food and healthcare packaging, general packaging and retail packaging. MetsäBoard Classic FBB is approved for direct food contact.
5. All traceable wood raw material comes from sustainably managed Northern European forests, which are certified according to PEFC or FSC® standards or according to the criteria of controlled origin (PEFC/02-31-92 and FSC®-C001580). 98% of the energy used in production is fossil-free, with the goal of fossil-free production by 2030.
The Hiitolanjoki River and the statue park invite you to the region
Manu Kalliokoski knows where to take guests in Simpele and Parikkala. The first destination is the restored Hiitolanjoki River, which flows next to the Simpele factory from Simpelejärvi and the lakes above Silamusjoki towards Lake Ladoga. The demolition of the over 100-year-old power dams at Kangaskoski, Lahna-senkoski and Ritakoski rapids and the restoration of the rapids to their natural state have brought the endangered lake salmon and trout back to their traditional spawning grounds. The river is home to the only completely wild lake salmon population in Finland.
An accessible outdoor trail runs along the banks of the Hiitolanjoki River. On the bridge over Lahnasenkoski you will come across Jouni Neuvonen, the factory's former shift manager and Kalliokoski's coworker.
“I was at the factory for 45 years,” Neuvonen smiles, saying that he is a nature photographer through and through. Few people see him on the river that day.
Neuvonen's photos can also be found in the Free-Flowing Hiitolanjoki exhibition, which is currently open at the Virta Cultural Centre in Imatra. The travelling exhibition was first shown at the Maretarium Aquarium in the summer of 2025. "I photographed herons there, by the way."
Next, Kalliokoski turns the Volvo's bow towards the Parikkala Statue Park.
“It’s about a ten-minute drive.”
Approximately halfway between Simpele and Parikkala, in Koitsanlahti, right next to Highway 6, on a half-hectare plot is the life's work of ITE artist Veijo Rönkkönen: over 550 life-sized concrete sculptures. The figures do yoga, read, dance, do everyday chores and pose in various positions. The site is also of international interest. The American Condé Nast Traveler magazine listed the Parikkala Statue Park among the world's scariest tourist destinations, and The Sun has considered it one of the world's creepiest tourist attractions. Kalliokoski is happy to bring guests to visit the statue park, to Parikkala of course.
