27.11.2025
HEIKKI LAAKI, DIRECTOR OF AUTOMATION BUSINESS, APPOINTED CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER AT JARTEK
Jartek’s technological development takes a significant step forward as the company’s current Head of Automation, Heikki Laaki, assumes the role of Chief Technology Officer. The appointment strengthens Jartek’s commitment to developing innovative, customer-driven solutions that combine production technology expertise, automation, software, and the opportunities enabled by emerging technologies.
Technological development accelerates – digitalization and AI in key role
According to Laaki, the coming years will reshape the technological landscape of the sawmilling industry in a profound way.
“Over the next 3–5 years, digital and especially AI-based solutions will take on an increasingly decisive role. This will be reflected in completely new products and services as well as in the accelerated development of existing ones. A plant purchased from Jartek today will also benefit from these future visions thanks to its flexible upgradability,” says Heikki Laaki.
Jartek’s technology strategy, now and in the future, is built on scalable systems, modularity, and a strong lifecycle approach. The intelligent use of data, smart automation optimization, and solutions that enhance production efficiency and customer competitiveness form the core of this strategy.
An industry in transition – the role of equipment suppliers grows
Technological development has accelerated rapidly within the sawmill industry, and customers increasingly need to understand how digitalization and AI will impact production in the coming years.
“In the sawmill industry, companies are now grappling with how to keep up with technological development while production and profitability pressures remain high. The exponential rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping society and the way we work, but its direct impact is harder to perceive in more traditional manufacturing industries. As an equipment supplier, our task is to help our customers navigate this transition,” Laaki continues.
Jartek envisions a future where intelligent control systems, data-driven optimization, and seamlessly integrated software solutions become a natural part of sawmill production processes.
Heikki Laaki
CTO
tel. +358 40 504 0683
heikki.laaki@jartekai.fi