Finnish packaging company Huhtamaki (Espoo; www.huhtamaki.com) is investing around EUR 11m in the construction of a new manufacturing facility operated by its Foodservice business in Hämeenlinna / Finland. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2018. Afterwards, operations from the old factory that was built in the 1960s will be transferred to the new location, with startup scheduled for autumn 2019. Huhtamaki produces paper cups with PE and biopolymer coatings for hot and cold drinks in Hämeenlinna.

As part of the investment, the unit's machinery will also be partially renewed and automation will be expanded. Huhtamaki hopes to increase its competitiveness by designing the facility according to "lean manufacturing" principles that improve the flow of goods and minimise unnecessary traffic. "Today's busy on-the-go lifestyle increases demand for takeaway foods and drinks," says Maisa Katila, general manager for Huhtamaki Foodservice Nordics.

Huhtamaki has 78 manufacturing plants and 24 sales offices in 34 countries. With around 17,600 employees, the group generated net sales of EUR 2.9 bn in 2016.