Ponsse is launching the ExtendedLIFE project, funded by the EU's LIFE Programme, to extend the service life of used forest machines and increase the reuse of machine components, with the company establishing a Refactory in Iisalmi, Finland, where used machines can be refurbished or dismantled and recycled on an industrial scale.
The project develops new solutions enabling more efficient refurbishment, reuse, and recycling of forest machine components, building on Ponsse's existing circular economy processes that began with a remanufacturing unit in Iisalmi in 2010, with the volume of refurbished or reused spare parts reaching 222 tonnes in 2025. The project includes development of a digital marketplace for remanufactured components and training for personnel, dealers, and value chain partners in circular economy and remanufacturing practices.
Ville Ohukainen, Circular Economy Coordinator at Ponsse, stated that the new Refactory concept will enable forest machines to be refurbished, dismantled, and recycled as efficiently as possible, with the facility to be established near Ponsse's service and logistics centre in Iisalmi during 2026 and expected to increase employment in machine dismantling and installation work.
Ponsse is utilising digital tools and AI-based solutions in the project to anticipate maintenance needs and direct components for refurbishment, reuse, or recycling, with the project's total budget approximately Euro 5 million, of which 60% is funded by the EU's LIFE Programme.
Ponsse is a company specialising in the sales, manufacture, servicing and technology of cut-to-length method forest machines.