Stora Enso Timber has invested €9m at its Zdirec sawmill in the Czech Republic to grow production and kiln drying capacity to serve the European construction market.
The mill upgrade was described as a “milestone” by Stora Enso, as Zdirec had been the first step in its expansion to Central and eastern Europe 10 years ago.
Work was completed in two phases, the first of which involved the installation of a new log in-feed. Production was halted during the second phase to complete the in-feed’s installation and building of eight new drying chambers.
Sawing capacity will grow from 448,000m3 per year to 620,000m3, with log consumption rising from 800,000m3 to 1.05 million m3. Drying capacity for structural timber will increase by 100,000m3 to 430,000m3.
Dieter Kainz, senior vice-president of Stora Enso Timber’s Central Europe Production Group, explained: “We could increase our production efficiency in Zdirec sawmill and at the same time also improve the product quality for our customers. This investment supports all our strategic goals: profitable growth, increased value and operational excellence.”
