/INS. The demand for multilayer laminates is increasing and there is an extensive growth potential, particularly in the construction business. Walki is answering to this demand by investing in a new production line at its Valkeakoski plant in Finland.

 “The production line will be unique on the market”, says Kari Salminen, EVP Construction at Walki.

The market for insulation facings is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The European Union’s 202020 target, which among other things aims at a 20% improvement in energy efficiency, is putting a pressure on energy-efficient housing. Efficient insulation is key in keeping heating or cooling costs down.

Along with a recovery in the European economy, the construction business is expected to pick up, which will have a significant positive effect on the demand for insulation solutions, particular in those products requiring multilayer facings.

“There is also a huge need for renovating houses and buildings in Europe with better insulation and this will further drive the demand”, says Salminen.

Thanks to the new investment, Walki will be even more apt to swiftly respond to customers’ needs. The more diverse production lines which will enhance delivery reliability and shorten lead times.

“We can guarantee short delivery times as we can respond swiftly to customers’ needs with tailor-made solutions. We will be able to expand our customers’ product portfolio and enable growth on their part. The new production line will make a significant difference when it comes to supporting our customers’ business,” says Salminen.

The production line will also be highly flexible and can cater to several different product segments in addition to the construction industry, such as consumer packaging and the pharmaceutical industry.

"With this investment, Walki strengthens its position as the premium supplier of multi-layer laminates globally. Further, this investment supports our strategy to strongly focus on the growing segments of energy saving laminates for building purposes and on value adding consumer packaging solutions", says Leif Frilund, President and CEO.

The new production line will be up and running during the first quarter of 2016.

Caption: The new production line at Valkeakoski will enable shorter lead times. Kari Salminen, Ahti Vuorinen and Janne Ahonen inspecting the facings. © Walki Group Oy

For more information, please contact:

Kari Salminen

Executive Vice President, Construction

Tel. +358 40 737 1917

e-mail: kari.salminen@walki.com

 

Janne Ahonen

Plant Director, Valkeakoski

Tel. +358 40 572 7403

e-mail: janne.ahonen@walki.com

  

Leif Frilund

President and CEO

tel. +358 40 354 3330

e-mail: leif.frilund@walki.com

 

Walki in brief

Walki Group is a leading producer of technical laminates and protective packaging materials, specializing in the production of fibre based, intelligent, multilaminate products for markets ranging from energy saving construction facings and construction membranes to barrier packaging applications. The Group has plants in Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the UK, Russia and China with a workforce of about 900 people. Annual net sales for the Group are over 300 million Euros.