Einari Vidgrén Foundation rewards forestry professionals

The Einari Vidgrén Foundation recognized distinguished forestry professionals for the 21st time at its annual award ceremony held on June 2 at the Vieremä factory. A total of EUR 189,530 was awarded.

Chairman of the Foundation, Juha Vidgrén, presented the main recognition, the Einari Award, to forest machine contractor Pekka Mikkonen (Metsäkoneurakointi Mikkonen P. Oy) in recognition of his long-term and impactful work in developing Finnish forestry. Mikkonen has worked as an entrepreneur in the forestry sector for nearly 40 years, demonstrating strong commitment, entrepreneurial spirit, and a continuous drive for development.

Based in Heinävesi in North Karelia, Mikkonen has significantly advanced timber quality, harvesting practices, and environmental responsibility. His work combines high standards of quality, measurement accuracy, occupational safety, and sustainability. He is widely respected as a pioneer in the industry, actively supporting and mentoring new machine operators. In addition, he is a major local employer and a builder of community and networks, with an impact extending across the entire forestry value chain.

Occupational safety and environmental considerations have become increasingly important over the years for an entrepreneur working in nature. Mikkonen’s vision is to leave behind a thriving rural environment surrounded by flourishing forests - one that endures across generations through high-quality work and modern, technology-driven forestry.

In addition to the Einari Award, recognitions were granted in four categories: Lifetime Achievement Awards, Recognition Awards, Operator Awards, and Student Scholarships.

Lifetime Achievement Awards

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to two long-standing forestry professionals.

Peter Lundström (Parforest Oy, Parainen) has developed his company into a pioneer in timber harvesting since 1989. His influence is exceptionally broad, spanning forestry, harvesting, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. He has promoted continuous cover forestry and low-emission practices for decades, always respecting the values of nature. His work is grounded in a strong appreciation of nature and a determined commitment to sustainable practices.

Under Lundström’s leadership, Parforest Oy has established high-quality operating models emphasizing careful planning, minimal harvesting damage, and respect for forests and forest owners. He has actively shared his expertise and guided operators to work responsibly and with high standards.

Puunkorjuu Torvinen Oy, based in Puolanka, is a long-standing forestry company with roots dating back to the 1960s. Brothers Pentti and Ville Torvinen began forest machine contracting in the mid-decade, and the business has continued within the family for over 60 years. Today, the company is owned by CEO Vesa Torvinen and Chairman of the Board Marko Torvinen.

The company’s operations are built on strong traditions, high professional expertise, and a commitment to sustainable timber harvesting in demanding conditions. Puunkorjuu Torvinen Oy emphasizes responsible forest management and aims to promote forest growth and well-being. The involvement of the next generation supports continuity and strengthens the future of the family business.

“Over a long career, valuable expertise is created that drives the entire industry forward. The recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards have done precisely this—developing practices, training professionals, and advancing the sector. This is why we want to recognize them,” says Juha Vidgrén.

 Recognition Awards

Each year, the Foundation presents Recognition Awards to organizations involved in mechanized timber harvesting, research and product development, forestry education, and those who have enhanced the visibility and appreciation of the sector. This year, ten recipients were recognized.

According to Juha Vidgrén, the Recognition Awards help pave the way for the future:

“Forestry has strong roots, but it also has a powerful direction forward. That is why we have placed particular emphasis on recognizing initiatives where young people play a key role.”

The recipients include:

Amispäiväkirjat – A program following the lives of seven vocational students across Finland

Filmbutik Oulu – Producer of the documentary TV series Savotta 2, highlighting Finnish forestry expertise internationally

Finnish Forest Museum Lusto – An interactive exhibition showcasing mechanized harvesting and forest machine technology

Maaseutuammattiin ry – Promotes rural professions and entrepreneurship among young people

Reijo Wuorio, Hakevuori Oy – Developer of solutions in energy wood harvesting and forest management

Kaisa Reunanen, Etelä-Savon Koulutus Oy – A long-term developer of forest machine operator education

National Association of Women in Timber (NAWT), Lori Walker, USA – Supporting, educating, and connecting women in the timber industry

Liceo Bicentenario Luis E. Correa Rojas, Chile – Forestry technical education in cooperation with Ponsse Chile

Petr Moravec, Česká lesnická akademie, Czech Republic – Development of forest machine operator training

Einari Operator Awards

The Operator Awards are based on high-quality, customer-oriented work, a strong commitment to quality, and effective collaboration with forest owners and stakeholders. This year, 41 professionals were awarded.

• Anton Mikkonen, Ylämylly, Motourakointi Pikkarainen Oy
• Pasi Manninen, Äänekoski, Metsäheput Oy
• Kimmo Oranen, Kangasniemi, Veljekset Hokkanen Oy
• Tuomo Kämäräinen, Savonlinna, Aatto Silventoinen Oy
• Samuli Mikkonen, Kajaani, Metsätyö Konola Oy
• Harri Piirainen, Kuhmo, Kalevi Määttä Oy
• Jere Rasinkangas, Kajaani, Moto Team Tauriainen Oy
• Robert Taavo, Ii, Iin Metsätyö Oy
• Antti Korkalainen, Rautavaara, Koneurakointi Lukkarinen Oy
• Joni Tanskanen, Polvijärvi, Metsä Kallinen Oy
• Jouni Malmstedt, Kerimäki, Metsä-Raikuu Oy
• Teemu Marin, Nilsiä, Pekka Hakkarainen Oy
• Ossi Hietaharju, Ilmajoki, Koneurakointi Päivärinta Ky
• Vili-Petteri Viitanen, Kankaanpää, Timberlog Oy
• Ville Vuonnala, Savukoski, L Harju Oy
• Jari Parkki, Littoinen, Metsäkonepalvelu Oy
• Kim Virtanen, Hämeenlinna, Virtanen Jyrki Tmi
• Arto Takkunen, Kuopio, Metsätyö Markop Oy
• Antti Heiskanen, Heinävesi, Heinäveden Koneurakointi Oy
• Henri Ojala, Noormarkku, Motourakointi J. Kangas Oy
• Timo Sarola, Joensuu, KoneJätkät Oy
• Joonas Öhman, Parainen, Parforest Oy
• Juha Meriläinen, Nurmes, Koneurakointi S. Kuittinen Oy
• Miska Lauronen, Pudasjärvi, Metsäkoneurakointi Reino Alatalo Oy
• Jouni Kolehmainen, Iisalmi, Urakointiliike Leinonen Oy
• Aleksi Rautio, Pello, Kimmo Kulojärvi Oy
• Sami Nenonen, Naarajärvi, TS-Metsä Oy
• Juha Luoma, Evijärvi, Granvikin Metsätyö Oy
• Jani Vartiainen, Joensuu, Metsä Majoinen Oy
• Olli Partiainen, Kuopio, Ketjupojat Oy
• Ari Jääskeläinen, Keitele, Nilakka Forest Oy
• Jyrki Kemppinen, Punkaharju, Koneurakointi Mutikainen Oy
• Manu Väyrynen, Ristijärvi, Puunkorjuu Junkkarit Oy
• Mika Töllikkö, Hamina, Urakointi R&M Kotola Oy
• Anssi Kemppainen, Paltamo, Konetyö Korja Avoin yhtiö
• Mikko Perttu, Kauhava, Konepalvelu Hölrin Oy
• Jaakko Solehmainen, Joensuu, Kaivuu ja Kuljetus Kari Kuivalainen Oy
• Tommi Helin, Mäntsälä, Koskenmyllyn Korjuu Oy
• Ville Moilanen, Karttula, Karttulan Metsätyö Oy
• Anssi Ronkainen, Multia, Veljekset Lehtomäki Oy
• Timo-Antti Liimatainen, Viitasaari, Keski-Suomen Metsäkymppi Oy

Einari Student Scholarships

Student scholarships are awarded to forestry students who have performed well in their studies. This year, a total of 39 forest machine students received scholarships. The awards were presented at the end of the academic term.