Stora Enso Plans to Discontinue CLT Production at Gruvön Sawmill

On Tuesday, Stora Enso announced plans to begin change negotiations with union representatives at its Gruvön sawmill in Sweden regarding a proposal to focus on sawn goods operations and close the CLT production unit. If implemented, CLT production at Gruvön would permanently close by the end of 2026.

The negotiations cover approximately 220 employees at Gruvön, including the Nordic CLT sales organization, and could affect up to 80 positions. Stora Enso said no decisions on the closure or employee impacts will be made until local negotiations are completed.

The company said Gruvön’s CLT operations have been challenged by slower-than-expected market growth in recent years. Rising wood costs and relatively high fixed production costs have placed further pressure on profitability.

Stora Enso said it would continue supplying CLT products to Nordic customers from its three other CLT units in Ždírec, Czechia, and Ybbs and Bad St. Leonhard, Austria, if the closure proceeds. Sawn goods deliveries from Gruvön would continue as usual, and the planned closure would not affect Business Unit Skoghall’s wood consumption.

Gruvön employs approximately 220 people and produces sawn timber, processed timber, pellets, and made-to-order products for construction.

Commenting on the plan, Head of Business Unit Skoghall Jonas Lindqvist said:

“Due to subdued market conditions, the prospects for sustainable profitability in CLT production in Gruvön have been too limited despite the excellent efforts made by our employees. The planned change will enable us to continue to focus and further develop our high-quality sawn and planed goods production at Gruvön sawmill in line with our strategy. We will support our personnel throughout the process and aim to work on restructuring the organization at Gruvön accordingly.”