Einari Award for Metsäkoneurakointi P. Mikkonen Oy — Even a small operator can leave a lasting mark

Pekka Mikkonen, recipient of the Einari Award, believes that in the forest machinery sector, impact is not measured by the size of the company, but by the quality of work, the capacity for cooperation, and the drive to develop the industry. Based in Heinävesi, the family business has built its position through long-term dedication, making an impact on the whole sector that goes far beyond its size.

Metsäkoneurakointi P. Mikkonen Oy has been contracting for Stora Enso since 1986. For the last 15 years, the contractual relationship has officially run through Kohmansalon Metsäkuljetus Oy, which operates as a Stora Enso “Star Contractor”. In practice, however, the timber has kept flowing in the same direction as always. That is why Pekka Mikkonen still often refers to “the company” and “the mill”, meaning Stora Enso.

“I was certainly worried 15 years ago when the direct contractual relationship with Stora Enso came to an end,” Mikkonen says.

“Many view subcontracting or partnership as a swear word, but for us, this model has worked well, “he says. “Full credit for that goes to the main contractor and the company: we have been able to develop the cooperation together, and as a subcontractor, you can focus on the actual work without a heavy management structure.”

‘”You also have the power to shape the cooperation yourself. Too often people look at others, when sometimes they should be looking in the mirror. You have to be able to speak directly and handle matters professionally – that is the core of this job.”

“It works for us, even if the model isn’t equally successful in every case.”

The company’s worksites are located around Heinävesi, within a radius of about 25 kilometres from their base. This is an exceptionally good situation, as many harvesting companies have to move machinery long distances between harvesting sites, which also increases the operators’ commuting distances.

Metsäkoneurakointi P. Mikkonen harvests timber with a single machinery chain, and the annual volumes vary. In addition to Pekka, the operators are son Lauri Mikkonen and a few external operators.

“My son and I operate the harvester as needed. When things get busy, the machine runs practically around the clock, six and a half days a week. For a small company operating with its own small team, flexibility is at the very core of profitability. Lauri has also taken responsibility for maintenance.”

Trust and family support as the driving force

Pekka Mikkonen started forest machinery contracting in 1983, straight after completing comprehensive school.

“For two years, I drove my father’s tractor, and then in 1985, I purchased my first machine of my own. That first winter, I drove a Valmet 502 with a timber sledge, where a Patu 1800 served as the loader. I bought a two-wheel drive Massey myself, but my father let me drive a four-wheel drive Valmet 604.”

“During the first few years, before I even had my driving licence, I towed a caravan with the tractor and lived at the logging site during the week. There were no phones, and there was no calling home.”

“Times have certainly changed. When we were working further away, we might leave on a Monday morning by bus, and the supervisor would take us to the site. There was plenty of work, and you had to find your place. Looking back, I really have to take my hat off to the management – I was only 15 myself, but they had so much faith in me.”

Alongside the trust of the management, the support of his family – his father, mother and Jaana – has also been essential. Pekka and Jaana started dating back when they were in the ninth grade.

“We’ve been together ever since. We started from scratch and built everything together. None of this would have been possible without a life partner like her. I’m at work practically all the time, and Jaana looks after the home and the yard.” Jaana also runs the village shop in Sarvikumpu. Next year will mark 40 years since they bought the village shop property from the local co-operative. The family home has been built around the old shop building, and in 1995 a machinery hall was added to the grounds.

Taking pride in your work

Metsäkoneurakointi P. Mikkonen has operated in the Heinävesi area since the 1980s, giving the company a strong understanding of local conditions. Local forest owners have become familiar faces, and on some estates the forests are now being managed by a third generation. Trust is equally essential in dealings with landowners.

“A landowner may ask about a thinning and whether I would do the same in my own forest. It all comes down to trust and the quality of the work. The harvesting quality has to be first-class – there’s no leeway for taking shortcuts. You have to work precisely, follow the rules, and never compromise on environmental values.”

“You must always be able to say, “I did that”. And if you can’t say that, it’s time to stop. You also need the backbone to admit your mistakes rather than slip away from them. If the weather changes, you sometimes have to leave the site unfinished and return once the conditions are right.”

A job well done rewards its maker, especially when the forest owner also recognises the quality of the work.

“It really does feel good when you’ve done the right kind of thinning and can see the results for yourself. And it feels even better when you return five to ten years later and see how the forest has developed. That’s when you can say, “I did this”.”

Positive feedback goes a long way

“It’s also the best feeling for young operators when someone more experienced operator comes by and praises the quality of their work. You can see straight away how much it lifts their posture and self-confidence.”

“Too often, feedback is only given when something has gone wrong. Young people also need positive feedback – it supports their self‑esteem, resilience and professional growth. Everyone knows what constant negativity does to people.”

“When a young operator gets it right and you tell them they’ve made the right call, it gives them the confidence and courage to take on this work.”

Strongly involved in the development of the forest machinery sector

Developing the sector requires open discussion and the ability to listen to different perspectives. A recent example of this is a meeting Mikkonen convened, bringing together representatives of the main contractor, the company and the machine manufacturer.

“There were more than a dozen people around the table at the same time. We had a constructive discussion about development on all sides, and we also went into the forest to look at the new technology. For many, it came as a surprise just how much the technology has advanced.”

“When the discussion is open and good‑natured, it becomes easier for everyone to ask questions going forward.”

“What matters is the spirit in which things are handled. Too often, people only come together when something has gone wrong. On this occasion, we were developing, not fixing, and that’s exactly how things should be taken forward.”

Mikkonen has long experience in harvesting and a strong desire to share his insights to help develop the sector. That’s why his views are readily sought, and over the years he has taken part in many projects.

“Development is important, and it has been great to see how the technology and ergonomics of forest machines have improved. Working conditions have changed enormously: today’s machines are genuinely good workplaces.”

“At the same time, the sector has changed a great deal, and there is no shortage of challenges. You can’t do this work half‑heartedly – if you want to succeed, you have to do it properly.”