According to a release by the company this past week, to reportedly strengthen Valmet's (Finland) R&D operations, Ari Saario (D.Sc. Tech.) has been appointed director, R&D at Valmet as of January 18. He will report to Juha Lappalainen, SVP of Valmet's Strategy and Operational Development corporate function.

The aim of Valmet's research and technology development work is to ensure an advanced and competitive offering of technologies and services, enhance raw material and energy efficiency, and to promote the use of renewable raw materials. The R&D director position is new in the company, and Saario will concentrate on ensuring an effective R&D process and commercialization of new innovations, right R&D project portfolio, and a clear R&D road-map to secure Valmet's technological leadership in the future.

"Valmet's strong R&D infrastructure is built around our 16 own R&D centers and pilot facilities. We have more than 400 R&D professionals around the globe and around 1,800 protected inventions. As a result of our R&D work, we have continuously improved our products and services and brought new innovations to market. With this new position we aim to create an even more focused R&D process and portfolio, and accelerate the commercialization of new innovations," said Juha Lappalainen, SVP of Valmet's Strategy and Operational Development.

Saario moves to this new position from Valmet's Pulp and Energy business line's R&D function. He has a strong background in technology and R&D from Oilon, Metso, and Valmet. He has versatile experience of more than 10 years in research and technology development, R&D team leadership, and R&D funding.