High-quality debarking with VK9000 series machine

Westas Pihlava Oy, Pori, Finland

The Westas Pihlava sawmill in western Finland produces approximately 240,000 cubic meters of fir and pine sawn timber annually. Consistent, high-quality debarking is essential to operations at Westas Pihlava, where much of the processed wood is exported to Central Europe for applications that prioritize the visual appearance of wood.

During the summer of 2024, a Valon Kone service technician inspected the VK550 debarker at Pihlava and advised that the rotor, which had a hydraulic tool pressure system in use for over 25 years, required extensive renovation. While the system had performed reliably, maintaining consistent debarking quality had become increasingly difficult.

“The decision was made to purchase a new debarker,” said Pekka Kopra, owner-director of Westas Group. “After 25 years of use, not only was the machine worn out on the inside, but the signs of wear were obvious on the outside, too,” Pekka said with a chuckle.

After evaluating several options, Westas selected the VK9000HD-Combi-2R debarker for the Pihlava site. “The decision was influenced by key improvements in the next generation debarker,” said Pekka. The debarker’s upgrades include redesigned feedworks with planetary gears and wider feedrolls. “These upgrades convinced us because we process logs with thin-ends as small as 15 cm, and we need to ensure that the smaller logs don’t get stuck outside the rolls,” Pekka explained. “We also received positive feedback from other VK9000 users, which supported our decision,” he added.

The new VK9000HD-Combi-2R has now been in production for several months in Pihlava’s updated debarking house, and Westas is very pleased with its investment. The machine is equipped with a butt-end reducer and a 9056 debarking rotor with a pneumatic tool pressure system (air seal). The Westas Group has an air seal rotor at its Raunio sawmill in Koski TL, and wanted the same great performance at its Pihlava sawmill.

“The VK debarker in our sawmill infeed plays a key role in our sawing process,” Kopra said. “Valon Kone is a trusted supplier in our industry, and our expectations were met. The machine reduces wood waste and provides the high-quality debarking we need for applications in Central Europe, such as exterior cladding in residential construction.”

The Pihlava sawmill is a unique site in Finland’s forest industry. Built in the 1910s, the historically protected building is the only steam-era sawmill still in operation. In September 2025, the sawmill celebrated its 150th anniversary.

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