Valio is planning to relocate the Oulu factory production to its factories in Riihimäki, Jyväskylä and Joensuu. If implemented, the plan would mean the closure of production at the Oulu factory. Distribution warehouse would remain on the Oulu factory premises, as well as other functions serving Valio, such as sales and support functions. The general cost level has increased, and production volumes at the Oulu plant have declined. With the planned concentration of production, we aim to improve production efficiency, profitability and competitiveness in accordance with Valio's strategy.
Change negotiations on the planned relocation of production will start at Oulu factory on 25 May 2026. Negotiations will cover 264 people; possible reductions apply to a maximum of 140 persons according to current plans. The grounds for the negotiations are production and economic reasons, as well as reasons arising from the reorganization of operations. The change negotiations will last three weeks.
“With the planned transfer of Oulu factory’s production, we aim to improve Valio’s production efficiency, profitability and competitiveness. With profitable and competitive business, we ensure the vitality of our owners, i.e. Finnish dairy farms, also in the future, and secure the continuity of domestic food production,” notes Juha Penttilä, Valio’s Executive Vice President, Operations.
According to the current plan, the possible closure of the Oulu factory production would be implemented in phases, by the end of the first half of 2028. No decisions have been taken at this point.
“The personnel at the Oulu factory have done a great job. Change negotiations involving possible redundancies are always deeply unfortunate and affect the entire work community. We want to conduct these negotiations as thoughtfully and responsibly as possible, with people at the centre. If the plan materializes, Valio aims to offer open positions in other locations to employees who would be impacted by the changes,” concludes Juha Penttilä.
Valio Oulu factory employs around 300 people and produces fresh dairy products, such as milk and fermented milk products, plant-based semi-finished products, and ice cream.
Valio employs approximately 4,600 people in total, of whom around 4,000 work in Finland. Valio is owned through cooperatives by ca. 3,000 Finnish dairy farmers.
