Guests of honour at UPM's biorefinery in Lappeenranta

H.M. King Carl Gustaf XVI and H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden visited UPM's new biorefinery in Lappeenranta, Finland on 5 March, together with the President of the Republic, Sauli Niinistö, and his wife, Jenni Haukio.

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 due 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,' said UPM's president and CEO 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.

He continued: '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.'

During the short stay, the delegation visited the biorefinery and viewed an exhibition highlighting UPM's 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.

 

SOURCE: UPM