CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL
Metsä Fibre Rauma sawmill
Rauma sawmill boasts state-of-the-art technology and unparalleled efficiency. As the most advanced sawmill in the world and Finland’s largest-ever sawmill investment, it has created benefits for the entire sawmill industry.
Interviewee:
Mrs. Johanna Harjula, Mill Manager of Metsä Fibre Rauma sawmill
Rauma sawmill is the world’s most advanced sawmill—where safety, efficiency, and sustainability are key. With cutting-edge technology, machine vision, and artificial intelligence optimizing operations, it sets new standards for efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the sawmill industry.
In this high-paced environment, lighting is more than illumination: it ensures safe operations, boosts productivity, and keeps everything running around the clock.
Rauma sawmill – Reliable lighting for 24/7 operation
“When designing lighting for the Rauma Sawmill, the greatest challenge is understanding the multi-level structure of the facility and ensuring appropriate illumination for every part of the production line.
I-Valo created a detailed 3D lighting model of the site and designed luminaire placements to meet the defined lux-level requirements for each process stage.
The result was a tailored solution ensuring both optimal visibility and energy efficiency across all production areas.”
– Johanna Harjula, Mill Manager, Rauma sawmill
Tough lighting for tough sawmill conditions
At Rauma sawmill, dust, vibration, and moisture create a demanding environment for lighting — and the coastal location adds an extra layer of challenge.
Since wood dust is constantly generated during production, the luminaires must be dust-resistant and maintain their performance and efficiency even under these harsh conditions.
I-Valo’s unique filtering technology prevents dust and other airborne particles from entering the luminaire housing, protecting internal components and optics. This ensures long-lasting performance, stable light output, and reduced maintenance needs — even in the most challenging industrial environments.
Why lighting quality matters
High-quality lighting is essential for safe and efficient work. The Rauma sawmill operates around the clock, which means luminaires must withstand continuous use with minimal maintenance interruptions.
High-speed cutting machinery and precision sorting require clear visibility. I-Valo luminaires minimize glare, eliminate shadows, and enhance accuracy—helping workers identify wood defects and handle materials helping operators carry out proactive maintenance and quality control work safely.
Strategic placement of luminaires ensures well-lit working areas and safe walkway paths while considering the positioning of machinery the production lines. This not only enhances visibility but also allows for easy access to the luminaires for maintenance, minimizing downtime and ensuring long-term reliability.
The project utilized I-Valo’s Fit for the Future luminaires, designed with easily replaceable gear trays. This concept extends the overall lifetime of the installation, reduces waste, and allows upgrading to future technologies without replacing the entire luminaire.
When servicing is needed, I-Valo luminaires can be maintained quickly and easily, minimizing downtime and supporting uninterrupted production.
Outdoor area lighting
Outdoor lighting plays a critical role in the sawmill’s busy transport areas, where heavy machinery, trucks, and forklifts operate around the clock. With professional lighting planning and optimization, high-mast and area lighting provide clear visibility while effectively minimizing unnecessary light pollution, enhancing safety, and ensuring smooth logistics even in demanding weather conditions.
Security is another essential aspect. Strategically placed, high-quality LED lighting enhances surveillance, ensuring a safe and controlled working environment while also deterring unauthorized access.
Professionally designed outdoor lighting provides glare-free, uniform visibility in busy transport areas, even in harsh coastal weather conditions. The coastal location demands durable lighting — and I-Valo’s corrosion-resistant, high-IP-rated LED luminaires are built to last with minimal maintenance.
Energy efficiency is also critical — I-Valo’s solutions reduce energy consumption without compromising performance.
Solution and implementation
“I-Valo was a natural choice for the project — not only because of its proven durability, dust resistance, and long service life, but also because the company had previously delivered a successful lighting solution for the neighboring Rauma pulp mill.
The commissioning process was straightforward, and the new lighting system immediately improved both visibility and the working environment on site.
We are very satisfied with the lighting solution delivered by I-Valo to Rauma sawmill. The luminaires are installed in challenging locations, so their long lifespan and easy maintenance are essential for keeping production running without disruption.
– Johanna Harjula, Mill Manager, Rauma sawmill
Long-term partnership
It has been a privilege for I-Valo to be part of Metsä Group’s projects for several decades as their trusted lighting partner.
We deeply appreciate that this prestigious Finnish forest industry group continues to value Finnish know-how, quality, and professional lighting design when choosing their illumination partners.
Our long-term collaboration with Metsä Group reflects a shared commitment to sustainability, reliability, and continuous improvement — values that form the foundation of everything we do.