The President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö visits the Honkarakenne factory
COMPANY NEWS 19.10.2017
On Wednesday 19 October 2017, President Sauli Niinistö visited Karstula, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and Honkarakenne’s factory.
President Niinistö began his visit to Karstula by inaugurating the event square in Karstula town centre. There were hundreds of people present to greet the President and wish him welcome.
Karstula’s multipurpose centre “Square of Dreams” was opened in a delighted atmosphere.
President Niinistö discusses the modern log home technology with Jari Fröberg, Marko Saarelainen and Mauri Saarelainen.
After the inauguration of the event square, the President visited Honkarakenne’s factory. The company is currently preparing for the celebrations marking its 60th year in business next year. The President was greeted by Honkarakenne’s CEO Marko Saarelainen, member of the Board of Directors Anita Saarelainen, the previous Chairman of the Board Mauri Saarelainen and Vice President, Production Jari Fröberg.
The President visited Honkarakenne’s log frame hall and talked to the company’s employees. The visit ended in a cup of coffee together with the representatives of Honkarakenne and the municipality of Karstula. From the Honkarakenne factory, President Niinistö headed to the opening of Metsä Group’s new Bioproduct Mill in Äänekoski.
In his speech, President Niinistö reminded everyone of the versatile significance forests have for Finns.
“Finland has always lived out of forests, as it does still today. Forests provide nutrition, construction materials, energy and also protection. The forest also calms our minds and it’s no wonder that more and more Finns find their way to our magnificent national parks,” said President Niinistö, emphasising that our forests must be made use of while respecting natural values. “These two things can be combined, as we have proved in our actions.”
President Sauli Niinistö is to visit every region in Finland this year in honour of Finland’s centenary.
President Niinistö signed a Honka log as a memory of the visit.
