30 years of intelligent quality control with Valmet IQ

As Valmet IQ celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025, this long-standing collaboration testifies to the system’s performance and adaptability.

The Pankakoski mill was one of Europe’s first paperboard manufacturers. Located near the city of Lieksa in eastern Finland, it began groundwood production in 1903 with a capacity of only 3,000 tonnes per year. Today, its two board machines, BM 2 and BM 3, have seen that capacity grow to 110,000 tonnes per year.

A global leader in high-quality specialty cartonboards, Pankakoski serves more than 600 customers across 65 countries. Quality control plays a crucial role in maintaining the company’s strong reputation for excellence and consistency.

A legacy of reliability

Pankakoski has relied on Valmet’s automation solutions since 1979, when it invested in Valmet’s Damatic Classic. The mill then implemented the very first Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS) on BM 2 in 1995 – immediately after its launch – followed by BM 3 in 1996.

Today, Valmet IQ remains an integral part of both board machines, ensuring process stability and end-product quality.

“This reliability in our very demanding industrial environment has been essential for us. Even after decades, the system continues to support our operations, consistently delivering high-quality results,” says Tomi Hankaniemi, Production Manager at Pankakoski mill.

Strategic system upgrades

While the core of Valmet IQ has remained unchanged, the system itself has undergone significant transformations over the years. Valmet IQ initially offered only a handful of measurements. However, as technology advanced, and industry demands grew, it evolved far beyond a traditional QCS. Pankakoski has modernized its system several times to incorporate these advances.

“Each upgrade has delivered measurable improvements, giving our operations deeper visibility,” notes Hankaniemi. “This means we can now control board quality better and ensure our customers get exactly what they expect.”

“We see this as smart lifecycle management – with a full return on reinvestment,” he says. “Our company’s philosophy has always been about rational evolution rather than radical replacement. It’s an approach that has served us well.”

This attitude is well supported by Valmet’s lifecycle service and upgrade methods. While the system’s “brain” has been continuously modernized with the latest measurement technologies, the original IQ Scanner frame from 1995 is still delivering on its original promise.

Data-driven end-product quality control

Pankakoski’s customer base spans multiple industries and regions, and efficiency, quality, and consistency are paramount.

This is where Valmet IQ really shines. It enables real-time quality control and data-driven decision making, helping the mill detect and resolve potential issues before they affect production. Minimizing waste and ensuring process stability are an essential part of maintaining efficiency and delivering products on time.

“We always aim to keep our customers happy,” says Aleksi Oinonen, Electric and Automation Supervisor at Pankakoski. “Online measurements allow us to monitor the end product closely. We can trace any quality concerns, analyze profiles, and provide customers with clear data on their product’s production history.”

Intelligent quality control plays a crucial role in maintaining Pankakoski’s strong reputation for excellence and consistency.

Partnership built on trust and responsiveness

While technology has been a cornerstone of Pankakoski’s quality journey, the collaboration with Valmet extends beyond equipment and software.

“We appreciate Valmet’s flexibility. When we truly need support, they always try to help – no matter the day or time,” says Oinonen. “That’s the kind of commitment that makes a real difference.”

Even after decades, the system continues to support our operations, consistently delivering high-quality results.

“While technology is very important to us, so are relationships,” Hankaniemi continues. “If I had to describe Valmet as a partner in just one word, it would be ‘professional.’ They’ve not only managed to grow into a market leader in quality control solutions for the paper and board industry, but their professionalism also extends to how they treat their customers.”

The journey continues together

As Pankakoski’s product offerings evolve, and its global presence expands, a reliable, future-ready quality control system is more important than ever. The company feels well equipped to meet future industry demands with Valmet IQ’s continuous advances.

In turn, Valmet values the relationship with Pankakoski highly. The mill has been a launch site for many of Valmet’s new products and is where the IQ system has evolved from its early stages into a globally adopted solution.

Today, this collaboration remains a driving force for both companies as they continue pushing the boundaries of quality and efficiency.

Aleksi Oinonen, Electric and Automation Supervisor, and Tomi Hankaniemi, Production Manager, at Pankakoski are pleased with Valmet IQ’s reliability.

Text Lisa Kettman-Kervinen

PHOTOS Simmy Shi