Background and Business Launch
The firewood dealer's wife and her husband started in the firewood business in 2017 when a poor grain harvest forced them to consider new sources of income. They decided to sell their own firewood stocks and noticed that the demand was high.
In 2018, an entrepreneurial couple acquired their first Japa hydraulic log splitter, with which they produced a truckload of firewood. Soon they realized they needed more efficient solutions, and from 2019 onwards, their machine inventory began to develop to meet growing demand. First, they purchased a Pilkemaster Go, and the following year, they moved on to the more powerful Japa 365 firewood processor. In 2020, after selling their farm, they acquired their first Hakki Pilke 38 firewood machine. They are now using their third Hakki Pilke machine, which speaks to their satisfaction with the brand and the features it offers.
As operations grew, they acquired a Hakki Pilke 43 Pro machine in 2023, which offered even better features and efficiency. Based on these experiences, they were ready to expand their operations further.
The first few years were spent working outdoors, but production was later moved to a farm shed. In 2024, a new production hall was completed in the municipality of Lappeenranta, along Highway 6. After years of planning and growth, the couple sold the farm and focused entirely on firewood sales. Hakki Pilke machines have been their trusted choice, and from 2025 onwards, they will be using a new Hakki Pilke 43 Pro to meet the needs of their expanded operations.
Investment Background
The company's operating principle is to take excellent care of their machines and replace them as needed. In the fall of 2024, it was time to start looking for a new firewood processor. Virve and Juha Montonen headed to FinnMetko and carefully explored the firewood processor offerings from various manufacturers at their trade show booths. The choice once again fell on the Hakki Pilke 43 Pro model, which they say is the best option on the market for them. The decision was particularly influenced by the machine's ease of use, cleaning discharge conveyor, and infeed assist, which make work smooth and ergonomic. The new machine's wide discharge conveyor and joystick control enable versatile functions and fast work.
All firewood is produced by an entrepreneurial couple.
The new machine arrived in November, and the entrepreneurial couple does not need operational training because their previous firewood processor was identical. Virve and Juha Montonen do all the work themselves because they want to ensure the high quality of their firewood – the wood is always clean, dry, and mold-free. Juha handles sorting and loading the logs onto the conveyor belt and moving the finished firewood bundles to the drying area on a large gravel field. Virve makes all the firewood, and she is such a skilled operator that very little wood waste and chips are produced because she ensures the splitting blade is adjusted at the right time. They handle the sale and delivery of firewood to customers together. Making firewood has been an exciting way for the couple to combine hands-on work with customer service.
Why the Hakki Pilke 43 Pro?
The wood raw material comes from nearby, and its size cannot be influenced, so even though the wood size varies, all firewood is made with one firewood processor. Hakki Pilke has a good and wide selection of splitting blades, with which wood of different sizes can be made suitable for customers. The entrepreneurs believe that the investment will pay for itself quickly, as the efficient and ergonomic machine is a pleasure to work with.
Challenges and competition in the firewood sector
The biggest challenges in the firewood industry at the moment are the poor availability of raw materials and varying weather conditions. Weather conditions affect the availability and drying of raw materials. A warm winter prevents trees from being harvested from the forest, and a rainy summer affects the drying of firewood. They differentiate themselves from the competition with their high-quality end products and personal customer service. It's possible to tailor a load for the customer by wood type, length, size, and quantity. The new location has also brought in many pick-up customers. Virve and Juha focus on customer service and always have time to chat with customers. Every customer is equally important to the company.
Mrs. Firewood Merchant plans to continue focusing on high-quality firewood and expand its offerings to smaller packages that can meet the needs of small and pick-up customers. Sales growth and a decrease in DIY firewood cutters offer promising growth opportunities for them. Mrs. Firewood Merchant warmly recommends the machine to other firewood entrepreneurs due to its efficiency, ease of use, quality output, and cleaning features. They advise budding entrepreneurs to start with moderately sized machines and scale production as needed.
Entrepreneur's perspective
According to the entrepreneurial couple, the best things about the firewood industry are independence and the opportunity to meet many people. During peak season, the days are long, but the rewarding nature of the work makes it worth all the effort. They believe that high-quality customer service is the key to success – everything starts with good cooperation, all the way from the machine manufacturer to the customer.
The story of the Firewood Merchant's Wife is an inspiring example of how the right investments and commitment to high quality can create a successful business in the firewood industry.