KWH Freeze
In 2024, KWH Freeze was finally able to return to somewhat normal operations after the pandemic years.
An orderly year with
successful recruitment
AS IN MANY industries, the last few years have been turbulent for us, as the world has been ravaged by pandemic, war and inflation. It is therefore pleasing to note that 2024 was a year in which we were finally able to return to reasonably normal operations and the normal volumes we were used to before the pandemic. That said, it should be stressed that the restaurant sector is still struggling due to the decline in the purchasing power of Finns, and that this is also reflected us to some extent.
THE FACT that 2024 was a steady, orderly year with no major surprises means that we had time to devote ourselves to a great deal of internal development work. Above all, we focused heavily on our staff and also succeeded in recruiting new employees much better than before. Working in a cold storage is a physically demanding job, which is also done in two shifts and in cold conditions. But where we had some challenges in attracting people in the past, this year it was much easier than before.
One reason is that we have introduced other working languages alongside Finnish. This means that some jobs can be done without any knowledge of Finnish, which has enabled us to employ foreign staff. Another reason that I think made it easier to recruit people is that we have been more active and visible, for example on social media.
In addition to taking on new temporary staff, we have also invested in our existing staff with skills development in areas such as occupational health and safety. We want to be a company that takes care of its employees, for example by offering them good healthcare, exercise and culture vouchers, and a well-equipped workplace gym. The staff surveys show that we are on the right track and that our efforts are clearly appreciated by our staff.
DURING 2017–2022, we had an intense phase of major investments at KWH Freeze, while the pace of investment in the last two years has been slower. However, this does not mean that investment was at a standstill last year. For example, we expanded the office and social areas because they were previously too small, and we also built a new parking and charging area for our electric trucks. Furthermore, in December we started the construction of a new warehouse, which will be completed in 2025.
We have a total warehouse capacity of 86,000 m2. Last year, we built a new parking and charging area for our electric forklifts.
In addition to these investments, we are of course always looking to the future and future needs. We secured new land for future developments several years ago and these preparations are ongoing.
During the year, we focused on data security to comply with future requirements and legislation. We were also granted the ISO 45001 certificate in occupational health and safety, and renewed our existing certificates (ISO 9001, ISO 22001 and ISO 14001).
Last but not least, I am very happy that we have taken a big step forward in our sustainability work, now that Vantaan Energia will start to harness the waste heat generated in our processes. The decisions have now been made and waste heat will start to be reused as district heating in 2025.
Peter Lång
Head of Division, KWH Freeze
KWH Freeze – the biggest frozen storage company
Frozen storage giant
After a series of major investments in 2018–2022, KWH Freeze is Finland’s biggest frozen storage company. Almost half of all frozen food consumed in Finland passes through the company’s warehouse in Vantaa.
Digitisation
The business is highly digitised and customers’ IT systems are integrated in KWH Freeze’s IT system. This enables automated deliveries and real-time stock balances.
Flexibility
KWH Freeze offers customers great flexibility in terms of volumes and thus an opportunity to grow. The main customer groups are the wholesale trade, various food industry operators and importers of frozen food.
Share of KWH Group's
turnover
personnel
gross investments
Turnover: 29 MEUR
Investments: 5 MEUR
Personnel: 113
Management team
Eija Savela
CFO
Mika Halvorsen
Development Manager
Anu Saari
IT Manager
Jonne Siitari
IT and Process Coordinator
Kim Elonen
Risk Management and Safety Manager
Anne Turunen
Chief Accountant
Jari Paasonen
Warehouse Manager
Stefan Thilman
Warehouse and Transportation Superior