The Finnish timber producer and processor Versowood has been awarded a national entrepreneur prize, recognising nearly 80 years of industrial development and export growth.
The company, headquartered in Vierumäki in Heinola, received the distinction on Saturday. Most of its production is located in the Päijät-Häme region, although it also operates in Riihimäki, Rovaniemi, Pori and Mikkeli.
According to a statement from Päijät-Häme Entrepreneurs, the award is a tribute to almost eight decades of work during which the company has built both an international business and a strong industrial backbone for the region.
Versowood was founded in 1946 and transferred to the Kopra family in 1990. Today, Ville Kopra serves as chief executive.
– It shows that we have succeeded in our work. Growth is important, because we must continuously develop. The bigger leaps are achieved through acquisitions, and we are constantly looking for new opportunities, Kopra says in the statement.
From local sawmill to global exporter
Over the decades, Versowood has grown from a small local sawmill into an international export company. Today, it exports timber products to more than 60 countries.
The company’s operations cover sawn timber production and further processing, supplying construction, packaging and industrial customers. Finland’s forest industry remains one of the country’s key export sectors, with sawn timber and pulp products forming a significant share of total goods exports.
The award comes at a time when the forest industry faces structural change. Demand for construction timber fluctuates with global economic cycles, while rising raw material and energy costs have put pressure on margins across Europe.
Chair of the regional entrepreneurs’ association, Heta Vihervirta-Vuontelo, emphasised the broader regional importance of companies like Versowood.
She noted that such employer companies are crucial to the vitality of the Päijät-Häme region and that the award also serves as recognition for the entire province.
Family ownership and expansion strategy
Versowood’s development under family ownership has been marked by expansion through investment and acquisitions. According to CEO Ville Kopra, growth remains a central objective.
– Growth is important because we must continuously develop. The bigger leaps are achieved through acquisitions, and we are constantly looking for new opportunities, he says in the company statement.
The Finnish forest sector has, in recent years, seen consolidation, efficiency improvements, and increasing automation in sawmills. Companies have also sought to move further along the value chain by investing in processed wood products and bio-based materials.
However, the sector is sensitive to global demand trends, construction cycles and trade conditions. Rising interest rates and weaker housing markets in parts of Europe have dampened demand for sawn timber, while export-oriented producers must also navigate currency fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainty.
Other recipients of the 2025 national entrepreneur award include Cor Group from Oulu and Sensofusion from Tuusula.
For Versowood, the recognition underlines its long-standing role in Finnish industry, but the company’s leadership signals that further expansion remains on the agenda in an increasingly competitive international market.
Source: Päijät-Häme Entrepreneurs.
Fact check
Versowood exports timber products to more than 60 countries. The company was founded in 1946 and has been owned by the Kopra family since 1990.
