Valmet
A Finnish industrial technology company supplying process equipment, automation, flow-control systems, and lifecycle services to the pulp, paper, energy, and related process industries.
Last updated November 4, 2026
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Overview
Valmet Oyj is a Finnish industrial technology company whose modern business is centered on process technologies, automation, flow control, and lifecycle services. It serves industries that transform wood, fiber, biomass, recycled materials, chemicals, and other raw materials into pulp, paper, board, tissue, energy, and other process-industry products. The company is headquartered in Espoo and is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. Although the present Valmet was established as an independent listed company after the 2013 demerger of Metso, its industrial heritage is considerably older. The company traces parts of its background to Finnish shipyards, textile mills, metalworking businesses, and engineering enterprises dating from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In 1950, postwar state-owned industrial assets were consolidated under the name Valtion Metallitehtaat, or State Metalworks, which was subsequently shortened to Valmet. Its early activities included locomotives, ships, aircraft, defense equipment, and general engineering. Over the following decades, the company moved increasingly toward machinery for the forestry, pulp, and paper sectors. From the 1960s onward, Valmet became an international supplier of pulp and paper machinery. Its portfolio expanded from individual machines to complete production lines for paper, board, tissue, and pulp. Acquisitions in Canada, Sweden, and Finland strengthened its engineering and machinery capabilities, while the development of process-control technologies added automation and digital intelligence to its equipment. In 1999, Valmet merged with Rauma to create Metso. Valmet's pulp, paper, and power activities continued inside Metso until they were separated in 2013 and relaunched as the independent Valmet Oyj, whose shares began trading in January 2014. After the demerger, Valmet pursued a strategy combining technology, services, automation, and selective acquisitions. In 2015 it acquired Metso's Process Automation Systems business, creating a larger automation offering. In 2019 it acquired GL&V and J&L Fiber Services, adding pulp-and-paper technologies, upgrades, spare parts, and refining components to its services activities. The 2022 merger with Neles brought flow-control equipment, valves, pumps, and related automation into Valmet and created a fifth business area. Other additions broadened tissue converting, wood handling, process-gas analysis, and related technology capabilities. Valmet also developed activities connected with the circular bioeconomy. It supplied equipment for Renewcell's dissolving-pulp production from recycled textiles and drying technology for Spinnova's cellulose-based textile fiber. These projects reflected the company's effort to apply pulp, drying, energy, and process expertise to recycled and renewable feedstocks. The company organizes its activities into five business areas within two broad segments. Process Performance Solutions includes Automation Solutions and Flow Control. Biomaterial Solutions and Services includes Pulp, Energy and Circularity; Packaging and Paper; and Tissue. Products and services include distributed control systems, quality-management systems, industrial software, automated control valves, emergency-shutdown valves, pumps, pulp and paper machines, chemical-recovery systems, biomass and waste-to-energy equipment, tissue-production lines, and maintenance and modernization services. In 2024, Valmet announced that President and CEO Pasi Laine would retire at the end of September and selected Thomas Hinnerskov as his successor. The company also announced workforce reductions aimed at improving profitability and competitiveness. Its renewed operating model, implemented from July 2025 under the Lead the Way strategy, removed separate geographical business layers, placed local operations closer to five business areas, and created a centralized Global Supply unit. Valmet therefore combines a long Finnish industrial lineage with a conte…
History
Valmet's industrial heritage reaches back more than two centuries into Finland's state-supported shipbuilding, textile, metalworking, and engineering activities. One early precursor was a shipyard established at Suomenlinna in the 1750s. The Jokioisten Verkatehdas wool mill, founded in 1797, later contributed to the technical-textiles heritage associated with Valmet's Tamfelt activities. In Tampere, the combination of a linen factory and metal workshop in 1861 helped create Tampella, an engineering company that later contributed machinery expertise to Finnish heavy industry and paper-machine production. After the Second World War, Finland reorganized state-owned industrial assets to support reconstruction and meet war-reparation obligations to the Soviet Union. In 1950 these activities were brought together as Valtion Metallitehtaat, or State Metalworks, later shortened to Valmet. The new company manufactured locomotives, ships, defense equipment, and other heavy industrial products. During the 1950s it also developed aviation and engineering capabilities, including production of the Valmet Vihuri trainer aircraft. From the 1960s, Valmet progressively shifted toward machinery for the forest-products sector. It became an international supplier of pulp and paper equipment, exporting production technology to Europe, the Soviet Union, and other markets. Its offerings developed from individual machines into integrated lines for paper, board, tissue, and pulp. Acquisitions including Dominion Engineering Works in Canada, Karlstads Mekaniska Verkstad in Sweden, and Tampella's board-machinery operations expanded the company's technology base during the 1980s and 1990s. Valmet also developed process-control and automation capabilities, linking production machinery with monitoring and control systems. In 1999 Valmet merged with Rauma Oyj to form Metso. Valmet's pulp, paper, and power operations became part of Metso's business structure, alongside Metso's minerals and mining activities. Metso acquired Tamfelt, a technical-textiles supplier, in 2009. In 2013, Metso separated its pulp, paper, and power business through a demerger. The independent Valmet Oyj began trading on Nasdaq Helsinki in January 2014, reviving the Valmet name as a listed industrial technology company. The independent company concentrated on four mutually reinforcing capabilities: process technology, automation, flow control, and services. The 2015 acquisition of Metso's Process Automation Systems business created a dedicated Automation business. In 2019, GL&V and J&L Fiber Services strengthened Valmet's pulp-and-paper services and North American footprint. Valmet also added technologies in tissue converting, wood handling, and process-gas chromatography. A significant strategic development was Valmet's relationship with Neles. After Neles separated from Metso in 2020, Valmet acquired a substantial holding while Alfa Laval pursued an unsuccessful competing offer. Valmet and Neles agreed to merge in 2021, and the transaction was completed in April 2022. Neles became Valmet's Flow Control business area, adding valves, pumps, positioners, and other equipment for demanding process conditions. During the 2020s, Valmet applied its pulp, drying, energy, and automation expertise to circular-economy applications. It supplied equipment for Renewcell's recycled-textile dissolving-pulp production and drying technology for Spinnova's cellulose-based fiber. These projects complemented the company's established pulp, paper, tissue, energy, and automation activities. In 2024 Valmet announced the retirement of President and CEO Pasi Laine and selected Thomas Hinnerskov as his successor. It also announced job reductions to improve competitiveness. From July 2025, its Lead the Way operating model removed separate geographical business layers, placed local operations closer to five business areas, and centralized global supply activities. Valmet's current structure combines Process Performance Solutions—Automation Solutions and Flow Control—with Biomaterial Solutions and Services—Pulp, Energy and Circularity; Packaging and Paper; and Tissue. The result is a company that retains deep roots in Finnish heavy industry while operating internationally as a supplier of integrated process systems and long-term industrial services.
- 2025
Lead the Way operating model implemented
[1]Valmet reorganized around five business areas, reduced geographical layers, and established centralized global supply activities.
- 2024
Chief executive succession announced
[1]Valmet announced Pasi Laine's retirement and selected Thomas Hinnerskov as the next President and CEO.
- 2022
Neles merger completed
[1]Neles became Valmet's Flow Control business area, adding valves, pumps, positioners, and associated process technologies.
- 2019
GL&V and J&L Fiber Services acquired
[1]The acquisitions strengthened Valmet's services, pulp-and-paper technology, refining, spare-parts, and North American operations.
- 2015
Automation business created
[1]Valmet acquired Metso's Process Automation Systems business, expanding into distributed control systems and industrial automation.
- 2014
Independent Valmet began trading
[1]Valmet Oyj shares began trading on Nasdaq Helsinki in January.
- 2013
Valmet re-established through the Metso demerger
[1]Metso separated its pulp, paper, and power business, which returned to the Valmet name as an independent company.
- 2009
Metso acquired Tamfelt
[1]The technical-textiles supplier became part of the industrial heritage later incorporated into independent Valmet.
- 1999
Valmet merged with Rauma to form Metso
[1]The merger moved Valmet's pulp, paper, and power activities into the newly formed Metso group.
- 1992
Tampella board-machinery operations acquired
[1]Valmet acquired Tampella's board-machinery operations, strengthening its position in paper and board technology.
Products and positioning
A global process-technology and lifecycle-services partner for the pulp, paper, tissue, energy, and wider process industries, combining large-scale equipment with automation, flow control, digital tools, and services intended to improve productivity, resource efficiency, and circularity.
Automation and industrial software
Valmet DNA
Valmet DNA is Valmet's automation platform for process monitoring, control, quality management, and industrial internet applications. It is designed to connect operational control with data-driven analysis and maintenance functions in industries such as pulp, paper, energy, and other continuous-process environments. The platform forms part of Valmet's Automation Solutions business and supports the company's strategy of combining physical process equipment with software and lifecycle services.
Distributed control system · 2025
Valmet DNAe
Valmet DNAe is a web-based distributed control system associated with Valmet's newer automation portfolio. It is intended to provide browser-based access to process-control functions and modernize the way industrial users operate and maintain automation environments. The reference material identifies the system as having achieved ISASecure SSA cybersecurity certification.
Pulp machinery
Pulp production systems
Valmet supplies technologies for chemical and mechanical pulping, including complete production lines, fiber-processing equipment, chemical-recovery systems, and related services. These systems are used to convert wood and other fiber feedstocks into pulp for paper, board, tissue, and specialty applications. Valmet's offering covers engineering, equipment, automation, upgrades, maintenance, and process optimization across the operating life of a mill.
Paper and packaging machinery
Paper, board, and packaging machines
Valmet develops modular and integrated production lines for paper, board, containerboard, cartonboard, and specialty papers. Its equipment portfolio is intended for high-speed industrial manufacturing and can include forming, pressing, drying, finishing, quality control, and automation technologies. The company also provides modernization and performance services for installed machinery, allowing customers to upgrade capacity, efficiency, product quality, and process control without replacing an entire production line.
Tissue machinery
Tissue production systems
Valmet's Tissue business supplies production lines, components, and process technologies for consumer tissue manufacturing. Its portfolio includes through-air drying and other technologies intended to support tissue bulk, softness, energy performance, and production efficiency. The business also applies closed-loop water and process-management concepts and provides services for equipment upgrades, maintenance, and operational improvement.
Valves, pumps, and process-control equipment
Flow Control products
Valmet Flow Control incorporates the former Neles and Flowrox activities and supplies automated control valves, emergency-shutdown valves, industrial pumps, positioners, and related equipment. These products are designed for demanding process environments involving high pressure, corrosive media, and critical safety requirements. The business combines mechanical equipment with actuation, instrumentation, automation, maintenance, and lifecycle support.
Energy technology
Biomass and waste-to-energy systems
Valmet supplies circulating fluidized-bed biomass boilers, waste-to-energy systems, and gasification technologies. These solutions are used to convert biomass, recovered fuels, and waste streams into heat, power, or industrial syngas. They connect Valmet's traditional process-engineering capabilities with lower-carbon energy and circular-material applications and are accompanied by engineering, automation, emissions-control, and lifecycle services.
Marketing campaigns
- 2025Lead the Way
Global
Lead the Way was Valmet's strategic and operating-model renewal focused on improving efficiency, strengthening lifecycle-based customer service, and integrating the company's international supply network.
Outcome. The renewed model took effect in July 2025, removing separate geographical business layers and establishing a centralized Global Supply unit.
Brand decisions
2025
Implement the Lead the Way operating modelStrategyBackground
Valmet sought to improve efficiency and deliver customer services through a more integrated lifecycle model.
Action taken
Effective July 1, 2025, Valmet eliminated separate geographical business layers, aligned local operations with five business areas, and created a centralized Global Supply unit.
Aftermath
The reorganization involved approximately 1,150 white-collar role reductions globally, including approximately 395 in Finland, and was described as generating annualized cost savings.
Annualized cost savings. €80 million (2025 operating-model transition)
2024
Announce workforce reductionsStrategyBackground
Valmet stated that the measures were intended to improve the profitability and competitiveness of its business operations.
Action taken
The company announced the elimination of 112 jobs.
Aftermath
The announcement preceded a broader operating-model renewal implemented in 2025.
Jobs eliminated. 112 positions announced for elimination (2024)
2021
Agree to merge with NelesM&ABackground
Valmet and Neles identified substantial commercial and technological complementarities between automation, process technology, and flow-control equipment.
Action taken
The companies agreed to merge, with Neles shareholders receiving 18.8 percent of the combined company.
Aftermath
The merger was completed in April 2022 and Neles became Valmet's Flow Control business area.
2021
Supply equipment for recycled-textile dissolving pulpProduct launchBackground
Renewcell was developing a process to convert discarded textiles into dissolving pulp for new fiber production.
Action taken
Valmet agreed to supply mill equipment and supported the development of a pilot plant and factory in Sundsvall.
Aftermath
The project extended Valmet's pulp and process-engineering capabilities into textile recycling and circular bioeconomy applications.
2021
Deliver drying technology to SpinnovaProduct launchBackground
Spinnova was developing cellulose-based textile fiber, requiring industrial drying technology for its production process.
Action taken
Valmet announced that it would deliver drying technology to Spinnova.
Aftermath
The agreement reinforced Valmet's expansion into renewable-material and textile-fiber processing applications.
2020
Build a strategic position in NelesM&ABackground
Neles was separated from Metso, while Alfa Laval also pursued a takeover offer.
Action taken
Valmet acquired Neles shares and increased its ownership to nearly 30 percent by autumn 2020. Alfa Laval withdrew after receiving support from only about one-third of Neles owners.
Aftermath
Valmet and Neles agreed to merge the following year, ultimately bringing Neles into Valmet as Flow Control.
- Alfa Laval — Alfa Laval made an offer for Neles but withdrew from the competition in November 2020 after insufficient shareholder support.
2019
Acquire GL&V and J&L Fiber ServicesM&ABackground
Valmet aimed to strengthen its pulp-and-paper services, aftermarket activities, and North American presence.
Action taken
It acquired GL&V and subsequently J&L Fiber Services, bringing pulp-and-paper technologies, upgrades, spare parts, and refiner-segment expertise into its Services business.
Aftermath
The acquisitions broadened Valmet's installed-base support and technology offering in North America and the wider pulp-and-paper market.
2015
Acquire Metso's Process Automation Systems businessM&ABackground
Valmet sought to broaden its offering beyond machinery and services by adding process-control and automation capabilities.
Action taken
Valmet acquired Metso's Process Automation Systems business and established its Automation business area.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Valmet's portfolio into distributed control systems, quality management, industrial software, and process intelligence.
2013
Separate the pulp, paper, and power business from MetsoStrategyBackground
Metso reorganized its businesses to separate the pulp, paper, and power activities from its minerals and mining operations.
Action taken
The business was demerged and relaunched under the Valmet name, with shares beginning to trade independently in January 2014.
Aftermath
The independent Valmet focused on process technology, automation, services, and later flow control across the pulp, paper, energy, and related process industries.
1999
Merge with Rauma to form MetsoM&ABackground
Valmet and Rauma combined their industrial operations at a time when both companies had substantial engineering and technology activities.
Action taken
The merger created Metso, with Valmet's pulp, paper, and power activities becoming part of the new group.
Aftermath
Valmet's legacy businesses continued within Metso until the 2013 demerger restored Valmet as an independent listed company.
Recent events
Valmet completes acquisition of 14.88% of Neles[2]
Reported:
Valmet completed its acquisition of 22,374,869 Neles shares from Solidium, representing 14.88% of Neles' shares and votes. The purchase price was €8.00 per share, with a total transaction value of €179 million at signing.
Valmet agrees to acquire a 14.9% stake in Neles[3]
Reported:
Valmet announced an agreement to acquire a 14.9% ownership stake in Neles for EUR 179 million, payable in cash. The agreed purchase price is EUR 8.00 per share.
Valmet withdraws its 2020 guidance[4]
Reported:
Valmet withdrew its 2020 guidance, citing increased uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Valmet announces plan to move Tampere fabric production to Portugal[5]
Reported:
Valmet announced plans to move part of its fabrics business production unit from Tampere, Finland, to its unit in Portugal. The company said the move could result in the loss of up to 90 jobs and that co-determination talks with employee representatives had started.
Valmet receives CDP climate program's top rating[6]
Reported:
Valmet received an A rating in CDP's climate program ranking for the second consecutive year.
Valmet launches redesigned MCA consistency measurement[7]
Reported:
Valmet launched a redesigned Valmet Microwave Consistency Measurement (Valmet MCA), featuring digital electronics and Direct Sweep Detection, and introduced sensor options for additional installation and measurement applications.
Valmet introduces roll covers made with recycled and renewable materials[8]
Valmet introduced composite covers for press, guide and calender rolls made with bio-based resin and hardener, with reinforcing fiber and filler sourced from recycled consumer plastic and glass. The covers were available for first customer deliveries.
Sources8 sources
- 1Valmeten.wikipedia.org
- 2Valmet完成收购Neles 14.88%股份finanznachrichten.de
- 3Valmet同意收购Neles 14.9%的股权finance.yahoo.com
- 4Valmet撤回2020年业绩指引finanznachrichten.de
- 5Valmet 宣布计划将坦佩雷织物生产转移至葡萄牙yle.fi
- 6Valmet 获得 CDP 气候项目最高评级finanznachrichten.de
- 7Valmet推出重新设计的MCA浓度测量仪pulpapernews.com
- 8Valmet推出采用再生和可再生材料制成的辊套renewable-carbon.eu
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