FINLAND (News release) -- Raute Corporation has signed a contract worth Euro 93 million with Metsä Wood, part of Metsä Group, for the technology delivery of a new Kerto LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) mill in Äänekoski, Finland. This order, being the biggest in Raute's history, company said in a statement.

Metsä Wood is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of engineered wood products. Metsä Wood is building a new Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski to increase its total Kerto LVL capacity by 50%. The mill's annual production capacity is approximately 160,000 m3 and the production is expected to start in late 2026.

The order for Raute's technology includes all main production processes from veneer peeling to LVL pressing. The lines are a complete solution compiled of the most modern automated R7-Series technologies. All lines are equipped with analyzers for grading and MillSIGHTS software for data capturing.

The ordered machinery and equipment will be delivered between Q1/2025 and Q1/2026. They will be manufactured at Raute's production units in Lahti and Kajaani in Finland, and in the company's partnership network.

"By investing in the best available technology in the industry, we significantly develop Kerto LVL's production efficiency and ensure a safe and versatile work environment for our personnel. Our long-term cooperation with Raute and the development of the mill's technological solutions together offer excellent conditions to succeed in achieving these goals", says Jaakko Anttila, Executive Vice President, Metsä Wood.

"We are excited to work with Metsä Group on this project to build a state-of-the-art LVL mill. We are integrating our most recent innovations and advanced processing solutions into our delivery. Our enduring partnership with Metsä Group lays a solid foundation for successful cooperation", says Mika Saariaho, CEO of Raute.

Metsä Wood manufactures wood products for construction, industrial and distribution customers. Metsä Wood's main products are Kerto® LVL, birch and spruce plywood and further processed sawn timber. Kerto LVL products, which are strong and material-efficient for the construction industry, store carbon and reduce the carbon footprint of construction. In 2022, Metsä Wood's sales totaled approximately Euro 0.7 billion and the company employs around 1 550 persons. Metsä Wood is part of Metsä Group.

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