Finnish dairy firm Valio is considering building a new plant in its home market – with an eye on building its presence in neighbouring Russia.
Valio is mulling a new facility in Riihimäki, a town in southern Finland about 43 miles from Helsinki.
A spokesperson said the site would produce “fresh products” but insisted a final decision had yet to be made on the project.
“It’s just a plan at the moment,” she insisted. She said a decision would “probably” be made next year.
However, the spokesperson said, if built, the plan was to use the plant to help expand Valio’s business in Russia. “The main target is Russia – and Sweden also,” she said.
Valio already sells a range of dairy products in Russia – from milk and cream to yoghurt, desserts and cottage cheese – from plants in Finland, Estonia and in Italy.
The company has a production plant in Russia, which manufactures processed cheese.
If the Valio board vote in favour of constructing the new plant, the facility could be up and running within two to three years “at least”, she added.
