Ahopellon Saha sawmill was a family enterprise founded in Lehtimäki, South Ostrobothnia, in the 1930s. Over the years, the company grew, producing high-quality timber for both domestic and international markets. The sawmill underwent automation in the 1980s, enhancing production efficiency. While operations ceased in the early 2000s, its legacy remains a part of the Finnish sawmill industry’s history.
Ahopellon Saha sawmill supplied pine wood to domestic carpentry clients in Seinäjoki, Kokkola, Pietarsaari, Vaasa, and Helsinki. It's international export markets included Europe, Asia, and North America. The primary export port was Mäntyluoto, though also smaller ports were utilised. Ahopellon Saha was renown for it commitment to high-quality timber and reliable service contributing to the worldwide appreciation of Finnish wood products.
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When was the sawmill first established?The sawmill was first built in the early 1930s in Lehtimäki, Finland.
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Where was the wood delivered to?Wood was delivered e.g. to carpenters and factories in various parts of southern Finland. Sawdust was exported to the Jyväskylä board mills and wood chips to the Pihlava mills in Pori. Wood was also exported abroad via Mäntyluoto harbor in Kaskinen.
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How many people worked at the sawmill?The number of workers at the sawmill varied. In addition to my father, myself, and my two brothers, there were 5–6 outside workers at the beginning, at best 10. The number of workers decreased as the sawmill became more automated.
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When did the sawmill permanently close?The sawmill was shut down in the early 2000s when my brother and I retired. The sawmills were sold to a Lithuanian sawmill for reuse.
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