The Nordic sawn timber, glulam and wood building structures manufacturer made the statement in its first quarter financial results, which show an operating loss of NKr64m (2012: NKr18.7m profit).
Moelven CEO Hans Rindal said he expected a normal seasonal improvement in demand during the second quarter, but no early improvement in underlying market conditions.
Mr Rindal said significant investment in the start-up of two processing plants – Moelven Profil AS in Kirkenaer and Moelven Tom Heurlin AB in Dalsland – affected the group’s profitabilty in the first quarter.
He also said pulp and paper sector developments were affecting the Nordic forestry and timber industry, citing the liquidation of Södra Cell Tofte pulp company before Easter.
"We are working hard to ensure timber and fibre flows to three sawmills in particular – Moelven Soknabruket AS, Moelven Numedalslågen AS and Moelven Telemarksbruket AS," said Mr Rindal.
"We are currently at the draft stage and the months ahead will show how well we succeed. Fortunately, we have operations in many areas and significant activity in the project and construction materials segments that are not affected by this."
Moelven recorded sales of NKr1.8bn in the first quarter (2012: NKr2.1bn).