Swedish forest owners association Södra has announced that it is adding another shift at its facility for cross-laminated timber (CLT) in Värö thereby doubling capacity.“Production commenced at the facility two months ago and the number of inquiries is continuously increasing. The industry has understood that wooden structural systems entail sustainable and efficient construction,” said Urban Blomster, Business Development Manager Södra Building Systems.
Starting November 18, 2019, Södra’s facility for cross-laminated timber (CLT) at its Värö pulp- and sawmill complex in southwestern Sweden will increase to two shifts and four new employees will be taken on, thereby doubling the current 140 000 m3 production capacity.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a flexible material and particularly competitive in major cities, where the aim is to densify and construct high-rise buildings. Compared with other materials, CLT is transport-efficient, light and maintains high environmental integrity. These benefits are reflected not only in housing production but also in the construction of sports facilities, warehouses, offices, and schools.
Strong market demand
According to Södra, the development of CLT as structural building components is set to change the construction market. Industrial timber construction enables more efficient on-site installation, and environmental impacts can be halved by using timber frames for the construction of multi-storey buildings instead of other material. Another benefit is that timber is perceived as promoting a better indoor climate for residents.
The forces driving society to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are strong, and the interest in sustainable construction is growing in the market. We are now creating an opportunity to make a climate-conscious choice in the market, which is important today, said Urban Blomster.
Södra says that the production increase is being implemented in a construction market in which several recent reports have indicated a slowdown. However, the trend for Södra is in the opposite direction.
Demand for wooden structural systems for large construction projects is on the rise and we have therefore chosen to raise the production rate. We offer building systems and products such as building components and fasteners, as well as new digital services to simplify and gain better control over the construction process, said Urban Blomster.
To meet demand, Södra is also evaluating a second CLT facility at its pulp- and sawmill complex in Värö.
