Japan’s increased demand for glulam has led to Swedish producer Martinsons reversing a plan to make 15 staff redundant.
The company revoked its redundancy order after securing a Japanese order for the first quarter.
Japan is one of the most important markets for Martinson, with a third of its annual production being shipped to the country.
“It is very gratifying that we can withdraw the notices and we are cautiously optimistic about the year,” said Martinsons CEO Lars Martinson.
“We will reach a good level of sales at the beginning of the year and our assessment is that we will shift up further this spring.”
He added a cautionary note, saying that the company was fully aware that the uncertain situation in sawn timber markets remained.
Mr Martinson said the company believed the general timber market would be strained for at least the next six months.
