Metsäliitto Group invests 15 million euros in a birch plywood upgrading unit

 

Metsäliitto Wood Products Industry, Finnforest invests 15 million euros to develop innovative birch plywood solutions for its industrial customers. It will build a birch plywood upgrading unit that will be ready for production by the beginning of 2008.

“Investing in new upgrading technologies is in line with our strategy, which emphasizes the combination of Nordic premium timber with our know-how to increase the added value that we can bring to our customers’ business. Our goal is to become a leading plywood supplier for demanding industrial end uses,” says Joni Lukkaroinen, Senior Vice President, Plywood Business Line, Metsäliitto Wood Products Industry.

“The new upgrading unit serves especially the needs of the customers in the transportation vehicle industry. We will introduce new types of plywood products and components that are based on a new generation of overlaying technology. At the same time, we will significantly widen the selection of sizes we can offer. Our strategy is to combine innovative product solutions with the capability of our machining and distribution centres to serve our clients with regard to their product and delivery needs,” Lukkaroinen continues.

The construction work for the upgrading unit will start this summer, with operations beginning in 2008. At this time, products based on the new overlaying technology and king-size plywood boards will be introduced. 

The upgrading unit is planned to be built next to the Suolahti plywood mill, Finland. The new unit will employ approximately 20 people.

For more information:
Joni Lukkaroinen, Senior Vice President, Plywood Business Line, Metsäliitto Wood Products Industry, Finnforest, tel. +358 50 590 0720
Johanna Kankkunen, Director, Marketing and Communications, Metsäliitto Wood Products Industry, Finnforest, tel. +358 50 350 4005