Stora Enso plans to discontinue cross-laminated timber (CLT) production at its Gruvön sawmill in Sweden, subject to the outcome of local change negotiations, and refocus the site on sawn and planed wood products.
The negotiations cover approximately 220 employees at Gruvön, including the Nordic CLT sales organization. If the proposal is implemented, CLT production would close permanently by the end of 2026, with up to 80 positions potentially affected.
Stora Enso stressed that no final decision on the closure or its impact on employees will be made until the local negotiations have been completed.
The company cited slower-than-expected CLT market growth in recent years, rising wood costs and relatively high fixed production costs as reasons for the proposal.
“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,” said Jonas Lindqvist, head of Business Unit Skoghall at Stora Enso.
He added that the planned change would allow Stora Enso to focus on further developing its sawn and planed wood operations at Gruvön.
The company said it would continue supplying CLT to Nordic customers from its three other production units: Ždírec in the Czech Republic and Ybbs and Bad St. Leonhard in Austria.
Sawn wood deliveries from Gruvön are expected to continue as usual. If implemented, the change would not affect Business Unit Skoghall’s wood consumption, according to Stora Enso.
The Gruvön operation employs approximately 220 people and produces sawn timber, processed timber, pellets and made-to-order products for the construction sector.
Stora Enso is a global provider of renewable materials, with a strong focus on packaging, biomaterials and wood products. The company employs approximately 19,000 people and operates across Europe and other international markets.
