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.

Visit the photo gallery for more photos of the event.

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.

Visit the photo gallery for more photos of the event.

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.

Continuity and a positive approach are important aspect’s of Ponsse’s success story: long-term customer relations continue from one generation to the next, we have competent, long-term employees, and we continuously develop our products and services. Many thanks to all of our customers for their excellent cooperation!