About Us
The rich history of our factory
The Kohila Paper Factory, established in the 1890s by Karl von Lueder, began as a water-powered sawmill and pulp producer. In 1899, it became a joint-stock company, and by 1907, it transitioned from cardboard to paper production. The 1905 Revolution caused significant disruption, including damage to the factory and executions of revolutionaries.
Despite setbacks, the factory modernized with new equipment, a railway branch, and steam locomotives by 1912. During the First World War, operations faced challenges due to material shortages, but the factory remained profitable. The factory’s history reflects resilience through periods of political turmoil, technological advancement, and market adaptations.
Our Company
As the 20th century dawned, new ideas took root. By 1903, the operations expanded beyond the sawmill’s basic wood processing. Groundwood production, paper manufacturing, and paper converting began in earnest. The air in Kohila was rich with the scent of fresh wood and ink as the town evolved into a hub for paper goods. This expansion provided jobs and hope to the community, anchoring Kohila’s identity firmly in industry.
Nearly a century later, in 1992, a pivotal partnership was forged. The Finnish company UPM, renowned for its expertise in the paper industry, joined forces with Kohila Paberivabrik. Together, they ventured into manufacturing envelopes and Swedish binders. This joint effort modernized the local factory, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques. The town’s reputation grew, spreading far beyond Estonia’s borders.
But change was relentless. In 1998, the Norwegian firm Lindegaard ASA took over Walki Paberisto and Kohila Paberivabrik. With new leadership, the factory’s output diversified. By 1999, the machines roared to life, producing lever-arch files, ring binders, dividers, pockets, and flat files. Each product was a testament to Kohila’s enduring legacy and adaptability.
The story of Kohila’s industry took another twist in 2003 when the Smead Manufacturing Company, an American enterprise, acquired the stationery business from Lindegaard ASA. The factory’s walls echoed with the bustling activity of innovation and commerce. But as global markets shifted, so did the ownership.
In 2008, a management buyout reshaped Smead Europe, and the company was renamed Atlanta Office Products. This change brought a renewed sense of identity and independence to Kohila’s industrious heart. Yet, the story was far from over.
By 2009, KP Factory OÜ stepped in, renting all assets of Atlanta Office Products located in Kohila. The factory’s fate hung in a delicate balance. But in 2010, KP Factory secured its future by purchasing the rented assets, bringing stability and promise to the town.
Today, the legacy of that humble sawmill lives on. Kohila’s journey from wood processing to paper manufacturing and stationery production is a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and the spirit of progress. The machines may change, the owners may come and go, but the heart of Kohila continues to beat, strong and steady, just as it did in 1883.