Finland will remain a key producer in the forest sector, with restructuring providing the springboard for growth, according to Finnish Forest Industries Federation president Dr Anne Brunila.
Restructuring will enable firms to “respond rapidly” to the market and succeed, with those investing in new business operations also able to monitor competitiveness.
“The restructuring that is taking place has meant hard decisions in many localities, but changes are indispensable for the future,” said Ms Brunila.
“The forest industry is renewing itself in many ways. Structures are being lightened, new operating methods are being sought and new types of business are being developed.”
Ms Brunila’s forest industry review also found that forestry production levels had remained the same in 2007, although sawn wood production had tailed off due to the US housing crisis and an oversupply of materials due to storms. Inclement weather also hampered winter harvesting and the January 2008 timber market, said Ms Brunila.
