History

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1970
Einari sets up a factory

1970

Einari sets up a factory

Einari receives encouraging feedback on the Ponsse Dino from forestry company Tehdaspuu , and decides to set up a forest machine factory in Vieremä. However, prior to starting the building work, help is required by the municipality of Vieremä.

In April 1970 Einari visits Hannes Hirsimäki, the municipal manager of Vieremä, explaining that he would like to establish a forest machine factory if the local government builds him a factory hall for the purpose. A meeting is held by the municipal council, and they vote on the matter. Finally with a majority of a single vote, the council approves the proposal to start building a factory hall that is to be let out to machine entrepreneur Einari Vidgrén. The hall is completed already at the end of 1970, and Ponsse Plc is established the same year.

1971
Engineer from Salo

1971

Engineer from Salo

Before the first factory-made Ponsse machine is manufactured, an engineer is needed at the factory. Einari places an ad in the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper to recruit a production manager to Vieremä.

An application by Jouko Kelppe, a young engineer from Salo, attracts the most attention. In February 1971 Jouko and Maritta Kelppe travel 600 kilometres to Vieremä for a job interview. After a short interview it becomes clear that Jouko is to be hired as the first ever engineer in the history of Ponsse.

First machines sold

The manufacturing of the first machine is started in the spring of 1971, but the company has no customers. At that time, however, forest machine contractor Eero Vainikainen is in the process of acquiring a forest machine.

The forest company makes a recommendation to purchase either Volvo or Valmet machines, but Metsäliitto's Iisalmi area supervisor Sauli Piispanen strongly urges Vainikainen to buy a Ponsse forwarder manufactured in Vieremä. Vainikainen visits the factory, which at the time has only two beams and a Valmet motor lying on the floor. However, Vainikainen is very impressed by Dino, a prototype machine at the logging site that comes highly recommended by both Einari and Sauli Piispanen. The deal is closed and the machine is sold for FIM 120,000.

The first machine

The first machine was produced at Vieremä factory. Eventual it was on transfer condition in the autumn of 1971.

Through the first ever Ponsse is driven out of the factory, the driver Einari with customer Eero Vainikainen.

1972
Evening gatherings at Marttisenjärvi

1972

Evening gatherings at Marttisenjärvi

Every year Einari organises common gatherings for his employees and customers. The turnout is always good. People enjoy sauna, swimming and games in the summer house on the shore of Lake Marttisenjärvi.

During the first years a skiing competition is often organised and Ponsse is represented by a strong company team, even though many of the participants are not in proper skiing condition. The main objective is to enjoy the common spirit and leisure-time activities.

1974
A trip to Germany

1974

A trip to Germany

Ponsse premieres in the international markets in 1974. A massive storm hits Germany, knocking down trees everywhere, and a large amount of foreign equipment is needed for harvesting the trees felled by the storm.

Einari finds this out and hears that the job is well compensated, and goes to check out the logging site with Olavi Kauhanen. Olavi, the loggers and Ponsse travel to Germany. The machine is transported on a pallet to the harbour and by ship to Travemünde, but nobody has remembered to book transportation to the German logging site more than 70 kilometres away. Olli and some other Finnish contractors and their machines wait in the harbour. Because no means of transportation is available, Olli mounts his Ponsse and sets off along the German motorway while the others follow. This is an unusual sight - the forest machines slowly chugging along the edge of the road, one of them actually carrying a Finnish sauna in the load space…

It's in the game

The national pastime of Ponsse employees - Laistokatko card game.

This noble card game has maintained its role as regular coffee break entertainment for decades.

1980
Ponsse S 20

1980

Ponsse S 20

A new robust forwarder, the S 20, is introduced; approximately 50 machines are manufactured in 1980 – 1983.

Manufacturing of the S 20 forwarder ends as a new, lighter model S 15 is introduced to the market. As mechanised harvesting increases in the early 1980s, the treadmarks left in the woods by the heavy machinery become a talking point. The public starts to demand lighter and more eco-friendly machines.

1983
S 15 forwarder

1983

S 15 forwarder

Ponsse becomes a nationwide phenomenon in 1983 with the new S 15 forwarder. This new forwarder is in a class of its own with regard to its cross-terrain performance.

 

 

 

The treadmarks of this lightweight machine are less noticeable than those of its competitors. The machine weighs approximately 10 metric tonnes but has a carrying capacity of 12 tonnes, and its tractive power of 14.1 tonnes is comparable to that of larger machines. It also permits harvesting on soil with poor bearing capacity.

1985
H 520 harvester head

1985

H 520 harvester head

The company launches grapple processors and later on grapple harvesters. Several types of grapple harvesters are put to the test at Einari Vidgrén's logging sites, and since a satisfactory model is not found, Einari states: "We'll make it ourselves."

Manufacturing of the new H 520 model is not completely trouble-free, as problems are encountered with the grapple operation. Ponsse faces great challenges after about 30 grapples are sold to the customers. Due to these problems, flexibility is required from the employees and work is carried out non-stop so as to repair the harvester head malfunctions. Learning from the experience, Ponsse develops a new harvester head, H 60, at the end of the same year.

1986
Measuring devices for harvester grapples

1986

Measuring devices for harvester grapples

The harvester grapples need measuring devices and Ponsse acquires these from Kajaani Automatiikka Ky.

The very first machine with a functioning diameter measuring device is delivered to contractor Voitto Muikku in Puolanka. The harvester grapple marks an important step in the expansion of the product family ranging from forwarders to harvesting machines.

1988
Ponsse ownership changes

1988

Ponsse ownership changes

On 16 December 1988 Ponsse’s entire share capital is transferred to the industrial company Interpolator Oy, of SKOP Group.

This makes Ponsse part of the Norcar Group along with some earlier company acquisitions. Einari becomes a member of the Board of Directors at Norcar, and Esa Vidgrén is appointed as the Managing Director of Ponsse Plc.

1990
Kajaani 2000 loader control system

1990

Kajaani 2000 loader control system

The computerised Kajaani 2000 loader control system is years ahead of its time and represents the latest trend in the product development of forest machine control systems.

Kajaani 2000 provides a solid base and knowhow for the development of the current control systems.

1992
Recognition for groundbreaking work

1992

Recognition for groundbreaking work

Ponsse introduces a lightweight eight-wheel forest machine chain, the HS10 harvester and the S10 forwarder.

Einari receives the Finnish National Inventor Prize awarded by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in recognition of his persistent work in the forest machine development.

 

Ponsse is awarded the Pro Finnish Design, an honourable mention of Finnish design for the industrial design of forest machines.

1993
Ponsse repurchased

1993

Ponsse repurchased

A group of investors led by Einari purchase Ponsse back from SKOP Group in February 1993.

Kajaani Automatiikka Ky, a company manufacturing information systems, is merged with Ponsse.
Ponsse Opti, the most innovative measuring and information system on the market, is launched. Ponsse is the first forest machine manufacturer in the world to introduce a PC-based measuring device system.

1994
Quality certificate

1994

Quality certificate

The Finnish quality is rewarded when Ponsse becomes the first ISO 9001-certified forest machine manufacturer in the world.

The first subsidiary, Ponsse AB, is established in Västerås, Sweden.

1995
Ponsse 25 years

1995

Ponsse 25 years

Ponsse receives a Certificate of Honour from the Association for Finnish Work.

Public quotation of Ponsse Plc shares on the Helsinki Stock Exchange OTC list begins.

 

 

 

 

Subsidiaries are established in the United States, France and the United Kingdom.

The 25th anniversary festivities are held in Kuopio Centre of Cultural Affairs in the autumn of 1995.

1996
New harvesters

1996

New harvesters

Ponsse product development invents two new harvester models, Ergo HS16 and Cobra HS10.

2000
30th anniversary and Mercedes-Benz engines for machines

2000

30th anniversary and Mercedes-Benz engines for machines

Ponsse's 30th anniversary party is organised on board the Viking Cinderella, and the guests are taken by surprise when a completely new 2001 product family with Mercedes-Benz engines is launched.

The latest addition to the product family is the Beaver harvester.

 

 

At the same time OptiControl, a digital control system created as a result of Ponsse's own development work, is launched.

Retailers open in Canada, ALPA New Brunswick / Lacroix Quebec.

2001
Einari receives a golden medal for merit

2001

Einari receives a golden medal for merit

The Finnish Forest Association grants Einari a golden medal for his special and long-term contribution to the forest industry in Finland.

The Finnish Forest Association gives the following reasons for the selection: "Einari Vidgrén is awarded for his unique entrepreneurship, as a result of which one of the world's leading manufacturing companies of forest machinery has been established in Finland. When Einari noticed that the machines manufactured by others were not satisfactory, he decided to build one himself."

2002
BuffaloDual introduced in Liperi

2002

BuffaloDual introduced in Liperi

A new machine, BuffaloDual, was introduced in Pärnävaara, Liperi. 

2003
New product line

2003

New product line

Ponsse receives an honourable mention in the Fennia Prize 2003 design competition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Einari's 60-year celebration tour, the Ponsse Road Show, travels through ten different locations across the country in the early spring.

The 3,000th forest machine manufactured by Ponsse is handed over to Kone-Korpi Oy in Tolosenmäki, Kitee in March.

 

 

The new 2004 product line is launched in Aittokoski, Sonkajärvi in November. In connection with the new line, Ponsse introduces Remote Service, the first ever real-time remote service connection in the forest machine industry.

2004
President awards Ponsse for internationalisation

2004

President awards Ponsse for internationalisation

Mrs. Tarja Halonen, the President of Finland, awards Ponsse for its achievements in international business operations.

The award is received by Ponsse’s Chairman of the Board, Einari Vidgrén, at the presidential residence.

Subsidiary established in Russia in December

Ponsse decided to establish a subsidiary OOO Ponsse in Russia. Retail agreement with Zeppelin Russland in Russia.

Epec Oy transfers to Ponsse ownership

Ponsse becomes the main owner of Epec Oy, a company in Seinäjoki manufacturing machine control systems.

Hydromec becomes a retailer

Retail agreement with Hydromec in the Quebec region.

Ponsse Ladies

Ponsse Ladies is founded. The significance of the spouses of the forest machine contractors in the family enterprises is recognised and the spouses are invited to participate in the operations. Ponsse Ladies begins operating at Metko in 2004.

2005
Ponsse 35 years

2005

Ponsse 35 years

Ponsse’s 35 years of operation are celebrated at the Vieremä factory extension with 2,200 guests.

Einari receives the "Vuoden metsäteko" award in recognition of his contribution to the forest sector.

Einari is rewarded by Nordea Bank and the Society of Finnish Professional Foresters for establishing a foundation that increases the appreciation of mechanised harvesting, and for his involvement in setting up a scientific fund.

Road to renewal

The factory extension, including an assembly hall and a customer service centre, is completed.

The new facilities of the Iisalmi Service Centre are completed.

Erkki Tarvainen, Einari's first ever employee, retires in February 2005.

 

The Ponsse Latin America office is established in Brazil in July 2005, but still without operation. In 2006, activities intensified, with the inaugural event officially taking place in April 2006. (to learn more about the history of Ponsse Brasil, click here)

 


 

 

 

 

 

Ponsse Latin America is established in Brazil in April. Ponsse acquires 92% of the shares of Lako Oy.

Einari Vidgrén Foundation established

Einari establishes a foundation bearing his name in April.

The purpose of the foundation is to make the entrepreneurship related to wood harvesting better known and to make the mechanised harvesting sector more interesting as an employer, especially among the young.

New sponsorship contracts

Ponsse announced the sponsorship contracts with javelin thrower Tero Pitkämäki, WRC-driver Mikko Hirvonen and the hockey team KalPa.

2006
Heavy-duty machinery for international markets

2006

Heavy-duty machinery for international markets

Retail agreement with Chadwick-BaRoss, Maine.
Retail agreement with Babcock Africa, Republic of South Africa.

The new Bear harvester and Elephant forwarder are introduced in the Metko exhibition.

2007
International Road Show

2007

International Road Show

In January, the International Road Show tour starts from Einari's home farm Mäkelä in Vieremä.

 

 

 

 

More than 700 customers are invited to a night show to witness the first show of the tour. The tour introduces the new PONSSE Bear harvester, which is demonstrated in Sweden, Latvia, Germany, Austria, France and the UK. The tour ends at the Elmia fair in Jönköping, Sweden at the beginning of June.

Cooperation with Moscow State University begins

Ponsse begins cooperation with the Moscow State Forest University. The goal is to offer extensive training in the cut-to-length method in cooperation with the biggest forestry university in Russia.

 

 

Ponsse wants to be actively involved in the development of the business in Russia, and it sees the Moscow State University as having an important role as a developer and future builder of the Russian forest and harvesting industry.

Subsidiary in China

In November, Ponsse establishes a subsidiary in China.

 

 

 

 

The company will especially support wood harvesting mechanisation operations on Stora Enso China’s eucalyptus plantations in southern China.
The company headquarters are located in Beihai.

Ponsse 10w

Ponsse launches a 10-wheel forwarder in October.

Ponsse has been involved in the development of wood harvesting technology for soft peat soil together with the Finnish state forest enterprise Metsähallitus and the Finnish Forest Research Institute. During the project, a prototype that permits profitable and environmentally friendly harvesting on soil with poor bearing capacity is developed. The concept is based on a 10-wheel, five-axle forest machine and a supporting track solution, which together significantly reduce the surface pressure imposed on the ground as compared with conventional solutions.

2008
At FinnMetko

2008

At FinnMetko

Almost 30,000 forest machine industry visitors are gathered in the Metko exhibition at the beginning of September.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Ponsse exhibition booth you will meet old acquaintances and see heavy-duty work exhibitions of all machine models.

 

 

 

 

 

Over the years, internationalisation has become an increasingly important part of the exhibition – this year, customers from Russia, Germany, Canada and all the way from Brazil visit the stands.

 

Economic recession

The global economic recession and financial crisis put a strain on the forest industry and forest machine manufacturers.

Due to the weakened demand and future prospects for the forest machinery, Ponsse Plc gives summons for employee cooperation negotiations in October.

2009
Einari receives a doctorate

2009

Einari receives a doctorate

Einari Vidgrén is awarded the title Honorary Doctor of Technology by the University of Oulu, Faculty of Technology.

A total of 20 honorary doctorates are awarded in the main ceremony of the doctorate conferment of all faculties of the University of Oulu, on Saturday 16 May 2009.

PONSSE Fox becomes a member of the harvester family

The Ponsse Road Show introduces the PONSSE Fox soft terrain harvester and PONSSE H6 harvester head.

Other new products, such as the PONSSE Buffalo ADS forwarder and PONSSE Ergo 8w harvester, are also presented in some of the tour locations.

2010
Open house at the factory attracts a record audience

2010

Open house at the factory attracts a record audience

The celebrations of Ponsse’s 40th anniversary continued with an open house at the factory on Friday 13 August 2010. The sunny day attracted approximately 1000 visitors to get acquainted with the factory and Ponsse people. The Martha organisation prepared 1500 pancakes in the steaming hot weather, and the factory tours and logging demonstrations were crowded. 

 

We were delighted to see that many families with children took part in the day. The pony ride and the pedal car track, in particular, were big hits with the young ones. The simulator also proved popular, with long lines all day. Nine-year-old Antti Säisä was one of the many Ponsse people putting in long hours during the day. Antti worked as a trainer for the simulator, instructing the young machine enthusiasts in how to use the simulator. Antti had been eagerly practicing the use of the simulator during the summer. “I had never driven a harvester simulator before this summer, but I have driven a real harvester, “ Antti explains.

40th anniversary celebrated with 1700 guests

Ponsse’s 40th anniversary was celebrated in a relaxing atmosphere in the spirit of the 1970s at Einari’s home farm in Mäkelä, Vieremä. The atmosphere was warm and friendly.

Speeches were given by Juho Nummela, President and CEO, and Seppo Kääriäinen, Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Ismo Apell, who acted as a presenter, interviewed Einari and Jouko Kelppe, the first ever engineer at Ponsse. Jaakko Teppo was also seen at the site. Jamppa Kääriäinen, Kaukolasipartio, Agents and Paula Koivuniemi took care of the evening’s entertainment.

 

During the party, the winner of the sideburn competition was also selected. The finalists came to the stage and Marita Kelppe, the former hostess of the Ponsse Club, selected the winner. The competition was indeed hairy, but in the end Petteri Härkönen’s bushy ‘burns took home first prize.

The 7,000th PONSSE forest machine

The 7,000th PONSSE forest machine was manufactured at the Ponsse Vieremä factory on Friday, 27 August 2010. Koneyhtymä Randelin Oy received the new PONSSE Ergo 8 w harvester at the FinnMETKO Trade Fair on Friday, 3 September. The machine has equipped with gold-plated exhaust pipe.

Einari Vidgrén has passed away

Einari Vidgrén, the founder of Ponsse Plc and Chairman of the Board of Directors, passed away suddenly at the age of 67 years on 26 October 2010. The Board of Directors of Ponsse Plc reorganised due to the sudden loss of the chairman. Juha Vidgrén was unanimously elected as the new chairman of the Board. Jarmo Vidgrén acts as the company's sales and marketing director, Janne Vidgrén as area director in Central Europe, and Jukka Vidgrén as a member of the Board of Directors. The family Vidgrén is the company's primary shareholder with its share ownership of more than 60%.

The values and operating methods set up by Einari Vidgrén for Ponsse lay a strong foundation and a firm set of values for the company's operations, also in the future.

2011
The Kajaani-based unit of Epec Oy is transferred to Ponsse Plc

2011

The Kajaani-based unit of Epec Oy is transferred to Ponsse Plc

The Kajaani-based forest machine application and product development unit of Epec Oy, a subsidiary of Ponsse, is transferred to Ponsse Plc, enabling an even stronger development of information system products for PONSSE forest machines.

2012
The 8,000th PONSSE forest machine

2012

The 8,000th PONSSE forest machine

PONSSE forest machine number 8,000 was manufactured at the Vieremä factory on 6 February 2012. Wood Roack & Roads AB, a Swedish harvesting company, receives the new PONSSE Ergo 8w at the factory.

Model Series 2012

Ponsse presents its Model Series 2012 at the FinnMETKO exhibition, introducing new easy-to-maintain frames and the new PONSSE Comfort user interface.   

Upgraded Service centres

Upgraded service centres are opened in Tampere and Mikkeli.

President visits Ponsse

Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland, visits Ponsse.

Ponsse Ladies

Ponsse Ladies is established in Sweden.

The new PONSSE ElephantKing

PONSSE ElephantKing, the new 20-ton load bearing category in forwarders.

2013
A new logistics centre

2013

A new logistics centre

A new logistics centre in Iisalmi.

New service centers

New service centers are built in Pitkäranta in Russia and in Laukaa in the Jyväskylä region.

The new PONSSE Scorpion

The whole new PONSSE Scorpion harvester is introduced at the Wood Elmia exhibition in Sweden.

2014
Model Series 2015

2014

Model Series 2015

Ponsse launches Model Series 2015, where the focus is on efficiency, structural endurance and ease of maintenance and use. The new EU Stage IV engine technology and the improved hydraulics have enabled extending the service intervals from 600/1,200 hours to 900/1,800 hours.  The model series also includes the new PONSSE Buffalo ActiveFrame cabin suspension system for forwarders.

2015
The 10,000th PONSSE starts the 45th Anniversary

2015

The 10,000th PONSSE starts the 45th Anniversary

Ponsse Plc manufactures 10,000 PONSSE forest machines at its Vieremä factory. Einari Vidgrén delivered the first Ponsse Paz forest machine to machine entrepreneur Eero Vainikainen in Karttula in 1971. The PONSSE forest machine number 10,000 will also be working at logging sites in Karttula as the 10,000th PONSSE was delivered to Karttulan Metsätyö Oy.

At the same time Ponsse informs about investments in production and the development of its service network. This year Ponsse invests EUR 8.5 million in value in manufacturing, including three new machining centers. The latest expansion of 1,600 m2 to Ponsse's Vieremä factory was completed in the beginning of the year. The new facilities are home to a boom and crane welding unit. These investments in component manufacturing serve to increase capacity and better secure the needs of maintenance services for various parts.

The serial production of the new PONSSE Model Series 2015 is underway.

New service centre in Rovaniemi

Ponsse invests in a new service centre in Rovaniemi, Finland. The 1,350 m2 facilities will be opened on 20 February. Ponsse has operated in Rovaniemi since 1998, and aims to secure services for its growing machine base.

Juha Inberg receives CTO of the Year 2015 award

Ponsse’s Director, Technology and R&D, Juha Inberg receives CTO of the Year 2015 award. The award recognises chief technology officers who through their work have added value to their companies’ technological expertise and growth potential, are inspiring leaders and have an active role in societal networks. The jury thanked Inberg for under Inberg’s leadership Ponsse’s R&D team has produced innovations that have transformed the forest machine market.

New production development facilities

New production development facilities are completed. The 1,300 m2 building is intended for prototype production and testing.

Ponsse to have a new retailer in Brazil

Ponsse Plc and Timber Forest Equipamentos signed a retail agreement on the sale and maintenance of PONSSE forest machines and equipment in Brazil. Timber Forest operates in the three southernmost states of Brazil: Parana, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. In other states, PONSSE services are provided by Ponsse Latin America Ltda. Operating under Rodoparana, Timber Forest Equipamentos is a forest machine company which started operations in 2001 by focusing on various harvester and felling head solutions installed on track-based forest machines.

Ponsse receives top prize in the Red Dot Award 2015

PONSSE Scorpion harvester won over the 38-member jury of the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2015. Ponsse proved its design excellence in the most important competition for product design, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. From 4,928 participants, Scorpion stood out and was awarded the Red Dot: Best of the Best for top quality and innovative design.

Einari Vidgrén Foundation recognises forestry professionals for the 10th time

At the event organised in Vieremä awards amounted to EUR 87,500. In the ten years since the foundation was first established, awards totalling EUR 877,000 have been granted to some 240 harvesting and forestry specialists and 200 students.  As the main recognition, the Foundation gave the Einari Award to two distinguished forest machine contractors. The criteria of the award emphasise a long-term approach and professionalism in this highly challenging industry. The Einari Award of EUR 15,000 was received by Veljekset Knuutinen Oy from Pattijoki and Toropainen Oy Metsäkoneurakointi from Kitee.

Ponsse AB acquires Ponsse's retailer in Norbotten AN Maskinteknik

This corporate acquisition promotes Ponsse's services and strategy in Northern Sweden. Located at Haparanda, AN Maskinteknik Ab is Ponsse's most long-standing retailer. It has been reselling and servicing PONSSE forest machinery in Norrbotten County of Sweden since 1989. The Swedish subsidiary of Ponsse was established in 1994 and it takes care of service and sales of PONSSE forest machines both in Sweden and Denmark. AN Maskinteknik's business owned by Veli and Kimmo Niskala will be transferred to the ownership of Ponsse AB and all the employees will be transferred to Ponsse AB as old employees.

German Wahlers Forsttechnik GmbH selected as the PONSSE dealer of the year 2014

Established in 1935, the family-owned company has acted as a Ponsse dealer in Germany since 1993. Wahlers Forsttechnik has two service centres in Uffenheim in southern Germany and in Stemmen in northern Germany, as well as five smaller service centres. The company employs more than 80 professionals in harvesting technology.

Ponssé SAS celebrates its 20th anniversary with 200 customers and partners

Ponsse's French subsidiary, was established in 1995 in Gondreville, in north-eastern France, where its head office is still located. Currently, Ponsse's French operations are run by Clemént Puybaret, together with 27 employees. In addition to Gondreville, the company provides services for its 300 customers from PONSSE service centres in Peyrat le Chateau in central France and Labouheyre in north-eastern France, as well as through eight contractual service partners. The company is responsible for sales, not only in France, but also in Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland (French speaking).

In 1995 when the company was established, only one Ponsse forest machine was sold in France. The French Ponsse pioneer was Mr. Arnaud, a harvesting company based in Limoges, which has been a customer of Ponsse SAS ever since the company's establishment. The company operates in Limoges with eight PONSSE machines.

Ponsse North America Inc, Ponsse's US subsidiary, celebrates its 20th anniversary

The anniversary is celebrated with 500 guests at the Great Lakes Logging Expo in Escabana (MI). Established in 1995, the company has sold more than 600 machines in the US, most of which operate in the traditional Great Lakes forest region. The first PONSSE machine came to the United States in 1991 and was delivered to Earl St. John in Spalding, Michigan. The pioneer of the cut-to-length sent a letter to Ponsse's founder Einari Vidgrén in 2010: “I have believed in your honesty, saying we would be taken care of with first class parts and service. Einari, you were a man of your word. Today, the first machine still runs with over 36,000 hours,” he wrote.

Ponsse’s North American operations are run by Pekka Ruuskanen and it employs 59 people. Ponsse North America is operating in Rhinelander (WI), Gladstone (MI), Gaylord (MI), Grand Rapids (MN) and Coburg (OR) on the west coast. In addition, Ponsse North America has four contractual service partners: Al's Mechanic Service in Glidden (Wisconsin), Berg's Service in Tigerton (Wisconsin), Arnie's Repair in Hayward (Wisconsin) and, the most recent addition, 906 Truck Service in L'Anse, Upper Michigan. On the east coast, full-line dealer Chadwick-BaRoss is responsible for machine sales, maintenance and spare parts.

Ponsse came in second place in Trust & Reputation survey

Ponsse came in second place in Trust & Reputation survey behind lift company Kone. Ponsse received the highest score in administration, interaction and sustainability in the survey organized by T-Media. 

Ponsse wins Swedish Steel Prize 2015

The prize was awarded for the new generation of harvester, the Scorpion, which utilises the properties of high-strength steel. “Ponsse has not only significantly improved operator ergonomics, but also enhanced functionality and safety, and increased productivity with this new design,” says Gregoire Parenty, chairman of the jury and Executive Vice President and Head of Market Development SSAB. “High-strength steel gives several benefits. We have been able to reduce the total weight which, in combination with the low surface pressures, makes harvesting with Scorpion more environmentally friendly especially in soft terrain. Our machines are used under extreme conditions, including very low temperatures, where steel needs to offer high impact ductility and reliability,” says Juha Inberg, Ponsse’s Director of Technology and R&D. The Swedish Steel Prize was established by SSAB in 1999 to inspire and disseminate knowledge about high-strength steel and how it can be used to develop stronger, lighter and more sustainable products.

Ponsse came in second place in Pohjoisranta Burson-Marsteller's and Arvopaperi magazine's reputation survey

Ponsse came in second place in Pohjoisranta Burson-Marsteller's and Arvopaperi magazine's reputation survey, right behind lift company Kone. “This is a wonderful recognition for all of us at Ponsse for our hard work. At the same time, this is a recognition for the entire industry dealing with forest machines and harvesting," says Juha Vidgrén, Chairman of the Ponsse Board of Directors. The reputation survey assessed the reputation of Finnish listed companies.

ALPA Equipment Ltd is selected the PONSSE dealer of the year, with Hydromec being recognised as the PONSSE service centre of the year

Both long-term family-owned companies operate as Ponsse's dealers in Canada.
ALPA Equipment, the PONSSE dealer of the year, has been Ponsse's dealer since 2000, covering eastern parts of Canada in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, as well as Gaspé Coat in Quebec. Founded by Armand Landry 40 years ago, the company is currently under the leadership of the next generation, son Serge Landry and daughter Linda Landry-Firth. The logging conditions in the region vary significantly from coniferous to hardwood-dominated forests, from level ground to steep slopes, from natural mixed forests to large planted coniferous areas. The annual harvesting volume in the region is approximately 15 million m3. The company  has a total of 120 employees in four different locations, with new facilities being completed in Edmundston, New Brunswick, in autumn 2016.

Ponsse's global service business network is assessed and rewarded annually based on the results of Ponsse's service business development and audit system ESW (Effective and Safe Workshop). Based on the ESW results, the service centre of the year 2015 is Hydromec Inc from Quebec, Canada. Marcel Trottier established the company in 1975, and it is currently managed and owned by his son, Jean Trottier. The annual harvesting volume in Quebec is approximately 35–40 million m3, and the conditions of harvesting are extremely demanding.


The Full Service project of the year award is granted at the same time to Ponsse Uruguay for Full Service cooperation with UPM. The award for best developer of local operations is granted to FC Ventas y Servicios in Chile. The award is granted to the service centre that has improved its ESW audit result the most compared to the previous year.

 

2016
11,000th PONSSE Machine Manufactured In Vieremä

2016

11,000th PONSSE Machine Manufactured In Vieremä

11,000th PONSSE Machine Manufactured In Vieremä and delivered to a customer from Hungary.

Maintaining the life's work of Einari Vidgrén, the Einari Vidgren Foundation gave out EUR 166,500 in recognitions for 81 people or organizations

Einari Awards, the main recognitions given out from the Foundation, were granted to veteran harvesting professionals. The awards were received by Lahtinen Forest Oy from Viitasaari, Finland and Väinö Kela from Metsäkone Kelat Oy from Suomussalmi, Finland.

Ponsse announces a EUR 32 million investment in new production facilities in Vieremä

In addition to the new facilities, Ponsse will increase the level of automation in its production. The purpose of this investment is to manufacture products of an even higher level of quality, heavily improve productivity and offer a safe working environment.  “This investment secures the quality of our products and production in every situation. We are looking for more productivity and flexibility. Demand for PONSSE machines is high and the future of the forest industry is looking bright in many of our market areas,” President and CEO of Ponsse Plc Juho Nummela says. In the past five years, Ponsse has invested a total of EUR 87 million in facilities and machinery.

Ponsse Group employs some 1,400 people, of whom 650 are working in the Ylä-Savo region at Ponsse's factory in Vieremä and in service businesses and at the logistics centre in Iisalmi.

The year of record-high investments is seen at Ponsse's logistics centre in Iisalmi. The expansion started in spring will add another 2,500 m2 to the logistics centre. The logistics centre serves Ponsse's entire international service network, which currently consists of 160 service centres.

The new PONSSE model series is introduced at the FinnMETKO exhibition

The model series has been supplemented with solutions that focus particularly on improving the operator's driving comfort and working efficiency, as well as increasing the efficiency and management of forest machine companies. The new PONSSE Manager operations management system for forest machine entrepreneurs and PONSSE ActiveFrame suspension system for the PONSSE Ergo harvester will have their premiere at the exhibition.

Ponsse launches a new harvester head PONSSE H8HD

Ponsse launches a new harvester head PONSSE H8HD at the DEMO International 2016 held on the west coast of Canada in British Columbia. The new PONSSE H8HD harvester head is specifically designed for harvesting and processing big timber in demanding conditions. Ponsse has been developing harvester heads since the 1980s. The extensive harvester head range offers applications from first thinning to heavy-duty regeneration felling, as well as models from debarking eucalyptus heads to processing. Larger harvester heads can also be fitted on track-based solutions.

Ponsse Wins Finland’s Growth Award

The Finland Growth Award is given to a company annually that shows extensive success towards exports, job growth and innovation, as well as positively affecting Finland’s economy. The award was meant to honor the founder of Ponsse, Einari Vidgren, who spent his life having Ponsse grow into what it is today.

Ponsse Chairman Juha Vidgrén wins Finland's EY Entrepreneur of the Year award

Ponsse Chairman Juha Vidgrén wins Finland's EY Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2016 and is also selected as the winner of the Production category. "This award is recognition especially to all of us at Ponsse and my brothers Janne, Jarmo and Jukka. Together we have succeeded in driving forward the work that my father Einari started. The EY Entrepreneurship award is a recognition for the whole branch where forest machine entrepreneurs are doing a valuable job in challenging conditions”, Juha Vidgrén said.

2017
The 12,000th PONSSE forest machine, the PONSSE ScorpionKing is handed over to the French family company called Sarl NC Bois from Trémilly

2017

The 12,000th PONSSE forest machine, the PONSSE ScorpionKing is handed over to the French family company called Sarl NC Bois from Trémilly

Sarl NC Bois, that received the 12,000th PONSSE forest machine in Vieremä is a harvesting company established by two brothers, Nicolas and Mickael Cuny: “Being a family company is an important asset for us.” The company started operating in 2007 with a used PONSSE HS16 harvester and it can be described as a pioneer in machine acquisitions in France. In 2009, the company acquired the first eight-wheel Ergo in France, and the PONSSE ScorpionKing harvester acquired in 2014 was one of the first in France. At the moment, NC Bois is logging with ten PONSSE machines. In total, Ponsse has manufactured about 450 PONSSE Scorpion harvesters that came into production in 2014, and has delivered machines into 20 countries.

Distinguished forestry experts are rewarded in Vieremä, Finland

Maintaining the life's work of Einari Vidgrén, the Einari Vidgren Foundation gave out EUR 157,700 in recognitions. Einari Awards, the main recognitions given out from the Foundation, were granted to veteran harvesting professionals Ahti Annala of the company Kone Annala Ky, and Jan-Erik Oldenburg of the company Puistometsäpalvelu Oldenburg Oy.

Ponsse and Ponsse subsidiary Epec Oy jointly establish a product development unit in Tampere

Ponsse and Ponsse subsidiary Epec Oy jointly establish a product development unit in Tampere for designing the software and automation of mobile work machines. The aim is to ensure the continued availability of top experts in the fields of software and automation.

The President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö awarded Ponsse the Internationalization award

This award is given to companies that reach a global scale, and who have reached high profitability and innovation in international markets. This award also is given to companies that have a positive impact on society. Ponsse won this award back in 2003, and never in history has a company achieved this goal twice. Other reasons why Ponsse won this award is because of the amount of innovation and growth it has gained, as well as the willingness of Ponsse to give back to its community.

Ponsse’s Subsidiary in China celebrates its 10th anniversary

Ponsse established a subsidiary in the Guangxi Region of China in 2007. Ponsse´s operations in China are run by Risto Kääriäinen and Ponsse China currently employs 28 employees.

Ponsse UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Ponsse Plc, opens its new facility in Annan, Scotland

In the new premises, four machines can be serviced at the same time. As well as spare part sales and warehousing, the service centre has training facilities for customer, driver and staff training.

 

 

 

The first PONSSE forest machine was seen in UK forests in 1994, and two years later the first PONSSE service centres were opened in the UK: one in Beattock, Scotland, and the other in Neath, Wales. Both operations were transferred to Lockerbie, Scotland at the turn of the millennium.

Ponsse’s first customer in the UK in 1994 was M.G. Harvesting Ltd founded in 1980 by Michael Gillet, which is based in North Wales.

2018
13,000th PONSSE machine celebrates extension of production facility

2018

13,000th PONSSE machine celebrates extension of production facility

Ponsse celebrates two important milestones on the same day. The biggest extension project in the company's history reached the topping-out phase, and the factory has produced the 13,000th forest machine made in the Vieremä facility in Finland.

PONSSE machine number 13,000, a PONSSE Ergo 8w, was delivered to the company's German customer FoWi GmbH & Co. This also marks the beginning of Ponsse's and German distributor Wahlers Forsttechnik GmbH's jubilee year: 25 years have passed since Ponsse and Wahlers signed their contract on distribution and service collaboration in the German-speaking regions of Europe. The seeds of this collaboration were sown already in the early 1970s when Einari Vidgrén, Ponsse's founder, was logging on a storm devastation sites in Germany.

Quality and flexibility through investments
The current production facility investment is the biggest in Ponsse's history: the factory expands from the current 2.7 hectares to 4 hectares. Most importantly, the investment contributes to ongoing improvement and development of quality, flexibility, safety and productivity of Ponsse's operations.

- Our strong focus on the development of cut-to-length forest machines requires constant development of our production operations. That is the only way we can fulfil the needs of our customers and stay at the forefront of technology in the demanding forest machine market. A safe, modern factory is also an important investment in our employees’, says Ponsse's President and CEO Juho Nummela. The Ponsse factory in Vieremä currently employs 570 employees, 390 of whom work in production tasks. All PONSSE forest machines are made in Vieremä, Finland.

The new PONSSE Fox harvester is launched

The driving forces of the Fox are the accurate and powerful crane, good visibility, machine stability and low surface pressure for demanding conditions and soft grounds. The eight-wheeled PONSSE Fox is tailor-made for thinning and soft grounds.

Ponsse presents the new loader for Elephant and Elephant King forwarders

The completely new PONSSE K121 loader offers a new level of efficiency and speed for load handling in tough conditions.The new PONSSE K121 loader extends Ponsse’s loader series to a completely new size range.

Forestry experts rewarded with EUR 143,000 in total

Deserving forestry professionals were rewarded in Vieremä, Finland. Carrying on the lifes work of Einari Vidgrén, the Einari Vidgrén Foundation gave out a total of EUR 143,000 in awards. The Einari Awards, the main form of recognition, were awarded to Janne Mutikainen of Koneurakointi Mutikainen Oy, and Janne and Tuomas Paakkola of Iin Metsätyö Oy for exemplary business operations and for bringing about a successful generation change.

Ponsse launches its new Stage V emission engines on EU markets

The new Mercedes-Benz / MTU Stage V emission engines feature the latest engine technology, and are an excellent solution for forest machines that require productivity, reliability and fuel economy while at the same time being environmentally friendly. The New engines are available in three different power classes for PONSSE forest machine models.

Ponsse Plc and Sotreq S.A. sign a cooperation agreement on the sale, service and marketing of PONSSE harvester heads in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil

Founded in 1941, the family-owned business has its headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The company has 4.345 staff in 40 locations around Brazil. Ponsse’s Brazilian subsidiary, Ponsse Latin America, was founded in 2005. In addition to Sotreq, Ponsse also has another dealer, Timber Forest Equipamentos, in Brazil, responsible for PONSSE services in the three southernmost states, Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.

Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä opens the world’s most modern forest machine factory

The factory investment is the largest in Ponsse’s history, expanding the production facilities from 2,700 m2 to 4,000 m2. Above all, the investment means a leap forward in terms of production technology. The new factory uses new smart storage technology that enables a smooth flow of components to production lines. This has significantly increased productivity of storage logistics and reduced manual handling of components. The storage automation includes 15,500 storage places for small goods and 3,900 pallet places. The construction of the new factory started in early 2016.

Ponsse’s New Solutions for Profitable Harvesting shown at the FinnMETKO trade fair in Jämsä, Finland

The PONSSE Bison Active Frame forwarder and PONSSE Cobra and Fox harvesters are launched at the fair. The new products are part of the Boost/Save philosophy enabling customers to improve the productivity and cost efficiency of harvesting through the right products, information systems, training and servicing.

Ponsse Plc’s President and CEO Juho Nummela is named businessperson of the year

Ponsse Plc’s President and CEO Juho Nummela is named businessperson of the year in an annual event held by Suomen Liikemiesyhdistys in cooperation with Kauppalehti and Aalto University.  This marked the first time when the second person from a single company has received the recognition. Ponsse’s founder Einari Vidgrén was presented with the recognition in 1997.  “Juho Nummela’s leadership exhibits a simultaneous respect for the company’s roots and the creation of something new” said the statement given by the jury.

Ponsse is the most reputable company in Finland

Ponsse is the most reputable company in Finland According to T-Media’s Reputation&Trust survey, Ponsse is the most reputable company in Finland in 2018. Ponsse receives a higher score in the survey than any company ever before.  Ponsse was evaluated to be excellent in all eight dimensions of reputation that were measured in the survey.  In addition to the total score, the company was assessed to be historically good in responsibility and the ability to renew itself. According the Reputation&Trust survey “Ponsse is an example of a company that has been successful in all dimensions and remained at the top of the industry’s development. The company is committed to developing the well-being of its employees and the whole surrounding community. Ponsse has also taken care of dialogue and interaction in a comprehensive way.”

Private investors vote Ponsse the best medium-sized listed company

In the Private investor's choice competition, small-scale investors cast their vote for Finland's most reliable and attractive listed companies. Ponsse is voted the winner on the list for medium-sized enterprises. In their assessments, small-scale investors especially appreciated Ponsse's competent management, strong ownership and a personnel-centred approach. The investors considered the company a developing, growing top player in its field, with outstanding innovation management.

2019
The 14,000th forest machine manufactured in Vieremä was handed over to the customer at Ponsse today

2019

The 14,000th forest machine manufactured in Vieremä was handed over to the customer at Ponsse today

The completion of the machine that will be delivered to Uruguay also offered the opportunity to celebrate Ponsse’s successful factory extension. The PONSSE Elephant King machine at the centre of the celebration was manufactured on Ponsse’s new production line, which was introduced last autumn. The last stage of the factory extension was completed at the beginning of the year when a new assembly line for cranes was commissioned at the Vieremä factory.

Ponsse opens its sixth service centre in Sandviken Sweden

-Ponsse is growing fast, and the need for services is increasing. We hope that we can meet future needs for maintenance even better than before, says after-sales manager Urban Folkesson.

Facundo Leal from Uruguay is the winner of the International Championship Competition for PONSSE mechanics

This year mechanics from 13 different countries from all over the Ponsse network took part in the challenge. The other prices in the two-day competition went to Russia. The second highest scores got Andrey Izyurov who is working as a mechanic at Ponsse´s dealer OOO Lespromservis in Komi region and the third highest scores got Nikolay Kovalenko from Ponsse Groups subsidiary OOO Ponsse.

50 years since Ponsse Dino was created in the summer of 1969