FINLAND – Koskisen, a Finnish leader in wood processing, is advancing its production with AI-driven technology, enhancing its high-quality products such as sawn timber, plywood, and chipboard.

In 2023, the company reported a turnover of EUR 271 million, underscoring its global presence and commitment to providing tailored solutions.

The partnership with Raute, which has spanned decades, continues to drive innovation. In 2023, Koskisen installed a new veneer composing analyzer and seized the opportunity to pilot Raute’s AI solution, improving the system’s accuracy. “AI allows for a new level of data analysis, and our collaboration with Raute has yielded impressive results,” says Kimmo Ahonen, Head of Business Development at Koskisen.

The AI technology was tested on a veneer composing line that had been in use for 30 years. The upgrade focused on birch plywood, a challenging product due to the difficulty of distinguishing birch bark from sound knots, which can affect quality. “AI’s ability to detect errors in real-time was a major improvement over the previous system,” says Koskisen’s Marko Hokkanen.

The results were immediate. The AI solution improved quality assurance, increasing efficiency and accuracy in veneer composition. Operator satisfaction also rose, as the upgraded system minimized detection errors. “It’s amazing how much more efficient and accurate the line has become,” says Ahonen.

Looking ahead, Koskisen plans to explore further AI applications in critical stages of plywood production. The ongoing collaboration with Raute is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation in the wood processing industry.

“This partnership is a prime example of how continuous collaboration can lead to industry-wide advancements,” concludes Hokkanen.