Europe’s sawmill industry wants to improve its operating prerequisites – Kimmo Järvinen appointed to head European industry organisation

“The industry is in need of fresh operating models and innovative thinking both on the corporate level as well as in its lobbying efforts. Seamless cooperation between the EU and national decision-makers and wood-consuming industries, related research institutions and forest owners is a prerequisite for the development of our industry,” says Kimmo Järvinen. 

Fixing the operating environment of the sawmill industry 
 
The sawmill industry is one of the most significant branches of industry in Europe. The value of its annual production is about €27 billion and the industry directly employs some   300,000 people.
 
“Kimmo Järvinen has been chosen to lead an organisation that is tasked with renewing and developing the operating prerequisites of European sawmill businesses,” says Stora Enso’s Hannu Kasurinen, who serves as the Chairman of the EOS Board of Directors.  

Järvinen has diverse and extensive experience of research and marketing work in the forest-based sector. He previously served as the Managing Director of the wood products industry’s joint research organisation Finnish Wood Research Oy, which he also helped originally establish. 

The European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry was established in 1958 to serve as a lobby group for the sawmill businesses of Europe. It coordinates cooperation within the sawmill industry of Europe. For the most part, industry companies participate in the activities of the EOS through their national organisations. The Finnish Forest Industries Federation represents Finland’s interests at the EOS.

Further information:
Kimmo Järvinen, Secretary General (from 1 Feb 2013), European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry, tel. +358 40 720 6311

Hannu Kasurinen, Executive Vice President, Stora Enso Building and Living, tel. +358 2046 21222