---
title: "Valio’s production in Oulu will be transferred gradually to Riihimäki, Jyväskylä and Joensuu –  production will cease within the next few years "
date: 2026-06-17
author: "Kristiina Klemetti"
featured_image: "https://www.valio.fi/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto/https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2026/06/Valio-Oulu.png"
---

# Valio’s production in Oulu will be transferred gradually to Riihimäki, Jyväskylä and Joensuu –  production will cease within the next few years 

Valio’s Oulu plant produces fresh dairy products such as milk and fermented milk products, as well as plant-based semi-finished products. The Oulu plant employs approximately 300 people. Based on the current estimate, 140 employees will be made redundant in phases by the time the production transfer is completed. Valio’s distribution warehouse will remain on the Oulu plant premises, along with functions serving Valio, such as sales and support functions.

“The personnel at the Oulu plant have done excellent work. Closing the plant’s production is a very unfortunate matter that affects the entire work community. We are committed to handling the situation as well and responsibly as possible from the personnel’s perspective and to supporting our employees through the change, so that as many as possible can find employment either within Valio or outside the company,” says **Juha Penttilä**, Executive Vice President responsible for Operations.

**Consolidation aims to improve profitability and competitiveness**

Valio will begin more detailed planning of the schedule and details of the production transfer. The impact of the transfers on Valio’s other production plants will be assessed as the plans progress.

Valio has two production plants in Riihimäki: one produces milks and creams, while the other produces snacks, including yoghurts for the Finnish and Swedish markets, as well as plant-based Oddlygood® snack products. The Jyväskylä plant produces milk, cream, lactose-free specialty milk products, and a variety of snack and dairy products for both the domestic market and export. In Joensuu, Valio produces powders and plant-based products in addition to cheeses.

“The aim of the change is to secure the conditions for success also in the future and to ensure that we can continue to create value for our owners, Valio’s dairy farmers. By consolidating production at our other plants, we will strengthen the profitability and competitiveness of our operations in a situation where costs have risen and competition in the dairy market has intensified further,” Juha Penttilä says.

Product deliveries to customers will continue as normal.

Valio employs a total of approximately 4,000 people in Finland. Valio is owned by around 3,000 Finnish dairy farms through local cooperatives.