Kesla Oyj, a Finnish developer and manufacturer of forest machines, technologies and services, is recruiting around 10 new permanent employees for its Kesälahti plant already before summer 2026, driven by increased production volumes and a strengthened order book. As part of this development, Kesla has also decided to end the furloughs implemented at the Kesälahti plant during 2025 and early 2026, and production will continue at full capacity.
Kesla’s outlook is supported in particular by the significant order announced by the company on 23 March 2026, valued at approximately EUR 17 million, for the KESLA Defence product group from a NATO country. The major order strengthens the company’s order book, employment opportunities and long-term development prospects.
“Kesla’s order book and production outlook have strengthened, enabling us to recruit new employees and end furloughs at the Kesälahti plant. We want to build growth in a long-term manner and offer stable employment opportunities in the region. The significant order we have received demonstrates that Kesla’s expertise is in demand internationally as well. This provides a strong foundation for increasing production and expanding the workforce at the Kesälahti plant,” says Kesla’s CEO, Pasi Nieminen.
Recruitment before summer – need for around 10 new permanent employees
To support its growing operations, Kesla estimates that it will need around 10 new permanent employees at the Kesälahti plant before summer 2026, for example in sheet metal work, welding and assembly. The company hopes that the positive development and the ending of furloughs will strengthen confidence in Kesla as a local and long-term employer.
“We want to communicate clearly that Kesla is a stable and developing employer with strong confidence in the future. A solid order book and determined operations create good conditions for employment also going forward,” Nieminen says.
Kesla believes that the current positive development will encourage both existing and new employees to build the company’s growth together, while strengthening the role of the Kesälahti plant in supporting regional vitality and employment.
More information:
Kesla Oyj
Pasi Nieminen, CEO
tel. +358 040 901 4401
pasi.nieminen[at]kesla.com
Material and image requests: Aleksandra Ihno, Marketing Specialist aleksandra.ihno[at]kesla.com
Kesla - Your Responsible Partner
Kesla is a responsible partner that develops machinery, technology and services for the sustainable success of its customers, both in and outside the forest. Kesla’s four product groups are: tractor equipment, logging equipment, stationary and industrial cranes, and KESLA Defence. In 2025, the Group’s turnover was €34,4 million, of which 53% was attributable to export operations. Established in 1960, Kesla has production facilities in Joensuu, Kesälahti and Ilomantsi as well as a sales office in Appenweier, Germany. Kesla currently employs around 200 people. Kesla’s A series shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. www.kesla.com