Walki recently invited its industrial neighbors to a friendly After Work event. The atmosphere was lively, and all AIP member industries and stakeholders were represented.
The evening began with factory director Anni Käppi-Palomaa, who spoke about the Walki Group and the various products manufactured around the world. Walki is a leader in sustainable packaging solutions and technical materials.
Guests also got an insight into the activities of the development and innovation department at the Pietarsaari factory. The development department tests new ideas and experiments with different materials in a laboratory environment to also try out innovations on a larger scale. The focus is on sustainability, and increasingly, tests are conducted with bio-based materials.
-The goal is for all products to be renewable, recyclable, or compostable in the future, and the development department in Jakobstad is a crucial part of that work.
Walki’s development engineer Henrik Byggmästar.
Henrik and the other experts were asked how long it takes to develop a new product. The answer was that it varies greatly. Most innovations take many years from idea to production, while some ideas succeed in a much shorter time. Other industries in the region also benefit from Walki’s expertise, as they can test new materials and accelerate innovation processes locally in collaboration with Walki.
Tour of the production facilities
Guests were also given a tour of the production facilities. It’s a pity the writer didn’t bring out the camera when all the guests were dressed in white protective coats and baker’s hats – it was a delightful sight! Since hygiene requirements in the production areas are strict, it is not common for guests to be allowed in. But with the right protective clothing, sanitized hands, and a safety briefing by Production Manager Petteri Pihajoki, guests were given a unique tour of the production.
After the tour, guests gathered for a tasty dinner featuring pie and salad. After dinner, guests got to familiarize themselves with a wide range of Walki’s products, both those manufactured in Jakobstad and elsewhere. Many food packaging items were familiar to the guests, as they are found everywhere on store shelves and in our pantries at home! Walki’s experts were busy answering questions and noting new ideas.
For the first time, a couple of officials from the city of Jakobstad also participated in AIP’s After Work. It is a concrete way to increase the city’s officials’ understanding of industrial processes and needs and, through developed cooperation, reduce the distance between authorities and industry.
AIP’s After Work events are appreciated
AIP’s After Work events are appreciated, and even though the industries in Alholmen are different in many ways, there is always something to learn from each other. Industry representatives who gather at an AW and share knowledge and ideas can also promote innovation. At the very least, it promotes well-being and a sense of community!
Thank you, Walki, for the hospitality! It was an evening filled with inspiration, where cooperation and sustainability were at the forefront!
