(UPM, Lappeenranta, 5 March 2015, at 17:30 EET) - H.M. King Carl Gustaf XVI and H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden visited UPM’s new biorefinery in Lappeenranta, Finland, together with the President of the Republic, Sauli Niinistö , and his spouse, Mrs. Jenni Haukio , this afternoon. UPM's Chairman of the Board Björn Wahlroos and President and CEO Jussi Pesonen hosted the visit. The visit at UPM was a part of the state visit programme of the Swedish royal couple in Finland.
The biorefinery was chosen to form part of the programme thanks to its uniqueness. The facility, which commenced operations in January, is the world’s first biorefinery producing wood-based renewable diesel.
“UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery marks the first investment in a new, innovative production facility in Finland as part of the transformation of the forest industry. It is also significant in terms of implementing UPM's Biofore strategy", says Jussi Pesonen. “Lappeenranta has made industrial history. The visit of two heads of state is a great way of publically recognising the work done here - and the courage that is required to renew”, Pesonen continues.
"The UPM Biorefinery saw a wealth of expertise and a number of professionals come together during the construction and start-up phase. I would like to thank all parties for the solid collaboration and commitment to this unique project," Pesonen summarises.
During the short stay, the delegation visited the biorefinery and viewed an exhibition highlighting UPM’s extensive range of products. The delegation included the Foreign Minister of Sweden, Margot Wallström , the Minister of Education, Gustav Fridolin , and a number of Swedish business leaders and members of the UPM Board and Executive Team.
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UPM
Through the renewing of the bio and forest industries, UPM is building a sustainable future across six business areas: UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Paper Asia, UPM Paper Europe and North America and UPM Plywood. Our products are made of renewable raw materials and are recyclable. We serve customers worldwide. The group employs around 20,000 people and its annual sales are approximately EUR 10 billion. UPM shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. UPM – The Biofore Company – www.upm.com
UPM Biofuels
UPM plans to become a major player in high quality, advanced biofuels for transport. Biofuels are an essential part of the Biofore strategy. The innovative wood-based biofuels developed by the company and their production technologies are part of a sustainable future. UPM’s biofuels are frontrunners in quality, usability and sustainability. They will significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. www.upmbiofuels.com
