Keski-Suomen Betonirakenne Oy (KSBR) is participating in Metsä Fibre’s Kemi bioproduct mill construction project, being responsible for the demanding construction work relative to the mill’s wood processing area.
The bioproduct mill of Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, is worth EUR 1.6 billion, making it the largest investment in the history of Finland’s forest industry. It will represent the most efficient wood processing plant in the northern hemisphere. Site Engineer Marko Leppänen states the amount of concrete that KSBR will provide in the construction of the Kemi plant, 25,000 cubic meters of monolithic concrete slabs, in order to highlight its importance.
– This is a significantly large task. We will be responsible for the construction of the debarking plant, chip pocket, woodchip storage and woodchip conveyor tunnel at the future bioproduct mill. We have already started casting the woodchip conveyor tunnel, and construction work on the debarking plant is about to start, Leppänen says.
The casting of massive, watertight structures requires special expertise and KSBR has solid experience in the field.
– The expertise of our long-term employees and officers becomes highlighted in these types of projects. We carefully plan the workflow so that mold rotation, reinforcements and casting work are carried out efficiently and safely. Seamless communication with the builder and other contractors in the area is also essential, Leppänen says.
Cooperation started in Äänekoski
According to Jari-Pekka Johansson, Director of the bioproduct mill project of Metsä Fibre, effective cooperation with KSBR influenced the choice of contractor.
– We can now continue the good co-operation in Kemi that started in Äänekoski five years ago. KSBR built a wastewater treatment plant and a new spill basin for the Äänekoski bioproduct mill. The commitment of our partners to our project goals in terms of safety, schedule and quality is priority to us. KSBR operates in accordance with these principles, Johansson states.
Juha Tuominen, KSBR’s Director responsible for industry and wind power, appreciates the cooperation with Metsä Fiber, based on mutual trust.
– It is great to be able to continue effective cooperation on this historic construction project, Tuominen says.
Emphasis on safety
Tuominen emphasises the importance of safety on all construction sites. For example, strict covid-19 restrictions are followed everywhere. Mass tests covering all persons are performed, masks are used and safety distances kept at all construction sites.
In recent years, KSBR has left its mark as a leading EPC supplier of wind power infrastructure in Finland, as well as a constructor of industrial and parking infrastructure.
Currently, the company is in the process of building eight different wind farms across the country and the first parking garage in Helsinki’s Postipuisto area.
PHOTO: Rendering of Metsä Group’s Kemi bioproduct mill.