Holmen invests in new CLT production facility in Sweden
The islet plans to invest in increased production and processing of wood products for sustainable construction.
– Developing the wood product side is a natural extension of our forestry operations and an important part of Holmen’s strategy to own and add value to the forest. Wood products used for houses and other buildings also provide significant climate benefits, as they store carbon for a long time while replacing fossil emissions from concrete and steel, says Johan Padel, Senior Vice President Wood Products.
Over the years, Holmen has gradually developed its business with the construction trade, not least through the acquisition of Martinsons, which added its range of glulam beams. Glulam is manufactured at Bygdsiljum’s sawmill in Västerbotten, from where it is distributed to customers all over the country. About half of the total volume is delivered via builders’ merchants. Establishing a cutting line and a distribution warehouse at Bravikens Sågverk outside Norrköping will shorten delivery times to customers in southern Sweden, while reducing transport costs and the products’ climate footprint.
An expansion and investment to remove bottlenecks at Bygdsiljum’s sawmill also means that Holmen can increase the production of CLT. A new CNC milling machine, used to make cutouts for windows and doors in structural elements made of CLT, will make it possible to increase capacity by 50%. The new facility is expected to be operational in the spring of 2024.
– The demand for processed wood products, especially CLT and glulam beams, is growing and with an increasing interest in wooden construction, we see great opportunities to further develop the business, says Olov Martinson, mill manager at Bygdsiljum’s sawmill.
Holmen is one of the largest forest owners in Sweden and the growing forest is the basis for the business.