The Segezha is reporting that their Sokol CLT plant has successfully passed its Conformité Européenne (CE) certification for its cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. The CE certificate was obtained after a field audit performed by employees of HolzForschung Austria, the largest Austrian wood research and testing institute. The certificate confirms that the enterprise has deployed modern practices to verify that the quality of its products meets European requirements.
News in international markets
U.S. Exports of Wood Pellets Up Month-Over-Month and Year-Over-Year in November
According to data released on Thursday (1-6-22) by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the U.S. exported 764,259.6 metric tons of wood pellets in November, up from both 422,109.4 metric tons in October and 660,312.5 metric tons in November 2020.
Schilliger Holz AG Announces Investment in an Automated CLT Production Line in Vogelsheim, France
According to Schilliger, the new CLT production line will be installed in an existing part of the plant. Schilliger estimates the annual capacity in a two-shift operation will be approximately 50,000 m3 CLT. The plant is scheduled to begin operation in January 2024.
Strike at UPM Finland Facilities Will Not Impact UPM Plywood or Timber Mills
UPM, a Finish forest industry company, has a labor-based strike ongoing at several of their pulp, biofuels, communications, and specialty paper plants located in Finland. The strike, however, does not impact nor concern UPM Plywood and UPM Timber mills, both of which signed business specific collective bargaining agreement with the Industrial Union in December.
Increased Russian Lumber Export Duties Are Now in Effect
Russia enacts higher export duties on minimally processed lumber.
China Updates Phytosanitary Requirements for Pine Log and Lumber Imports
China Customs released new phytosanitary rules on importing pine logs and lumber from 7 countries due to pine nematode concerns. The new rules include an updated list of designated Chinese ports pine logs and lumber can be imported starting February 1st, 2022.
Greenpanel Industries MDF plant located in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand, India, Resumes Full Production
Greenpanel Industries announced the restart of their Rudrapur MDF mill after repairs to refiner.
Donaldson Group Announces Purchase of Stewart Milne Timber Frame Business
Donaldson Group, a Scottish timber specialist that was founded in 1860 and continues to be operated by the original owner’s family, has announced that they have bought the timber frame arm of housebuilder Stewart Milne for an undisclosed sum. Milne put the business division up for sale in October as part of an ongoing restructuring and refinancing process by the Scottish homebuilder.
The Mayr-Melnhof Holz Holding Group Agrees to Acquire Swedish Sawmill Group Bergkvist Siljan From ESSVP IV
The Mayr-Melnhof Holz Holding Group, one of the leading companies in the European sawmilling and engineered wood products industry, has signed an agreement to acquire the Swedish sawmill group Bergkvist Siljan from ESSVP IV. This continues the consistent expansion and growth strategy of the Austrian wood-processing group.
Timberline Announces $63 Million Investment in Bell Bay Operation
Timberlink, one of Australia’s leading national timber manufactures and distributors, has announced that it is investing $63 million (AUD) in its Bell Bay operation as part of a plan to substantially increase its structural timber output. When completed the project is expected to increase the timber manufactured at the site by more than 50 percent, providing material for an estimated 7000 new houses.