Stora Enso has decided to retain its business unit comprising Central European sawmills and building solutions following a strategic review initiated in November 2025.
The Finland-based renewable materials and forest industry company concluded that there is potential to increase profitability through operational streamlining.
The review evaluated the unit’s seven sawmills in Austria, Czechia, Poland and Lithuania, as well as three cross-laminated timber mills, wood procurement, and international sales and distribution.
Having assessed various scenarios, Stora Enso determined that performance improvements could be made, and the business will remain part of the group as it moves forward with cost-saving measures.
Among the key planned actions is the closure of the small log line at the Brand sawmill in Austria before the end of the first quarter of 2027.
This production line was found to require significant investment, prompting the company to shift related production needs to other mills.
Meanwhile, wood procurement activities and the other production line at the Brand facility will remain in operation.
The restructuring and other adjustments may affect up to 250 employees across the Central European operations as Stora Enso adapts its organisational size to current business needs and challenging market circumstances.
No final decisions about closures or potential job losses will be made until all required consultations with affected stakeholders and local authorities are complete.
Stora Enso president and CEO Hans Sohlström said: “Following a thorough review, we are confident that in the continued challenging market environment, this is the best solution for our customers, employees, shareholders and for the business. We will continue with our own actions to improve profitability and strengthen the competitiveness of the business in the near term.
“We need to adjust the size of our organisation in response to changing business needs and the current tough market conditions. While working with these improvements, we will remain committed to serve our global customers with our premium building solutions and sawn goods.”
The announced measures are part of a broader effort to enhance the competitiveness of the business unit within Stora Enso’s international operations.
