Growth through efficient and versatile production

Company story

Kontiotuote Oy has grown to be the world leader in log house manufacturing. They manufacture over 2,000 log houses per year for customers in Finland and abroad. Kontio was established in 1973 and is located in Pudasjärvi, northern Finland. Kontio manufactures and designs various types and sizes of log homes, buildings, villas, and saunas. During recent years, Kontio has been exporting its products to over 20 countries, including Japan, France, and the Nordic countries.

The natural resources in Kontio’s products are found locally. Most of the wood used in production comes from a 90-kilometer radius from Kontio’s manufacturing site. The northern forest has the highest quality wood in Finland. The wood grain of pines is thick, and the trees are healthy and straight.

Challenges in manufacturing in the early 2000’s

At the beginning of the 21st century, Kontio noticed that the log house business was growing rapidly, so they needed to upgrade their manufacturing capacity. The co-operation between Kontio and Makron started in the early 1980’s with the first machine delivery. Kontio and Makron decided together to manufacture two entirely new large-capacity manufacturing lines instead of several small ones. With this decision, Kontio improved their ability to match the growing demand and competition in the field.

“Together we have designed and created new, enhanced log house production and become Finland’s best and the world’s largest log house manufacturing business,” says the CEO Jalo Poijula.

Makron Logmatic in Pudasjärvi

Makron has delivered six different manufacturing lines to the Kontio factory over the years. One of the best solutions created is the Logmatic line added to the robot line.

“We noticed that the manufacturing line must be simultaneously efficient and as flexible as possible so that it does not prevent innovation and development,” says Production Director Eero Lauhikari.

With this robot line, the sky is the limit. Kontio thanks Makron for their automation know-how and ability to solve even the toughest challenges.

Logmatic is easy to use, and all the information is easily accessible. In production, the maintenance time has decreased because of the clear, user-friendly user interface made by Makron.

In robotics and logic, Kontio trusts Makron. The workers on Logmatic agree that the cooperation between Kontio and Makron works seamlessly. “We get help where we need it, and spare parts are always available,” says Pasi Lyytinen, the supervisor of log manufacturing.

Makron, Kontio and the future

Since the early 2000’s, Makron has fulfilled Kontio’s needs and demands and has supported Kontio in achieving its strong market leader position and competitiveness. Kontio’s development unit is working hard on new products and more efficient processes.

In 2020, Makron sold its log house production technologies to a Finnish company Pinomatic. Makron focuses on its core business and continues sharing proficiency and know-how in industrial automation, engineering and design, and machine manufacturing to its customers across various industries.