Translated from: Mediatalo ESA / Sari Asikainen, 27 August 2019

The team at Viitos-Metalli in Heinola watched closely as a year-long project left the production hall piece by piece on truck trailers.

For a moment, it seemed that the doorway might be too small. In the end, the steam plant, measuring 5.7 metres wide and 6 metres high, covered with protective tarpaulins, made its way smoothly out of the hall. The load was transported next to the plant roof section that had already been moved outside, awaiting departure for Hanko.

Shortly afterwards, the steam plant’s own water treatment system joined the convoy. Its purpose is to remove limescale and other minerals from the water used by the plant.

On Monday, a total of four special transport vehicles, with a combined weight of approximately 100 tonnes, departed from Heinola for Hanko.

“The foundations are already waiting in Hanko, and our installation team is on site as well,” says Viitos-Metalli Sales Manager Kaj Sundberg.

Moving oversized cargo on Finnish roads requires careful planning. Transport permits had been applied for weeks in advance, and the route was planned while considering power lines, weight restrictions and bridge clearances.

Even at the last moment, weather radar was monitored and decisions were made on whether all components should be covered with tarpaulins.

“The most demanding part of the project has been the various lifting operations. When handling heavy components, everything must be carefully planned in advance. Even at the final stage, serious damage can occur if the work is not carried out properly,” explains Production Manager Erno Palola.

To put the scale of the steam plant into perspective, its output is 12 megawatts, enough to provide heat for approximately 1,200 detached houses.

“Projects of this size leave our workshop about once a year. From the initial request for quotation to this stage, the project has taken roughly one year,” says Viitos-Metalli Sales and Project Director Vesa Sahanen.

The light fuel oil-fired steam plant was delivered for use by a multinational bioindustry company. The client for Viitos-Metalli was the energy company Adven.

The steam plant delivered to Hanko was not only manufactured by Viitos-Metalli but also fully engineered by the company.

Specializing in the design and manufacturing of heat technology and pressure equipment, Viitos-Metalli remains relatively unknown to many local residents in Heinola.

“We have virtually no consumer customers. Our products are primarily supplied to process industries and energy companies,” says Sundberg.

Of the company’s 35 employees, some work at the Heinola workshop while others travel around the world carrying out installation projects. The company exports directly to Sweden and the Baltic countries, and through customers its products are delivered to many other parts of the world.

“For example, in 2014 we delivered six sea containers of equipment to the world’s largest pulp mill project in Indonesia through Valmet,” Sundberg explains.

Like many industrial companies, Viitos-Metalli has faced challenges in recruiting skilled labour. There is a shortage of qualified welders.

Several new employees have joined through apprenticeship programmes. However, becoming a certified pressure equipment welder requires several years of experience and training.

“The work requires specialized expertise. Pressure equipment welders must also pass welding qualification tests at regular intervals under the supervision of an independent inspection body,” adds Sahanen.

Viitos-Metalli views the future with confidence. The facilities acquired in Tähtiniemi in 2011 provide opportunities for further growth, and cooperation with long-term partners continues to strengthen. Close collaboration is maintained, for example, with Pelaser, located in Pertunmaa.

“The company celebrated its 25th anniversary in February. In that time, we’ve learned how to do certain things the right way,” Sundberg says with a smile.