Södra inaugurates new CLT factory

The new CLT facility broadens the market for construction materials while also promoting sustainable construction and more sustainable communities.

“Södra’s assignment is to renew and improve the value of forest estates and our new CLT facility is one way to do exactly that,” said Lotta Lyrå, CEO of Södra. “Today is a proud moment for Södra’s entire organisation – members, employees and customers are continuing to work together to build stronger value chains that enable us to meet society’s demand for sustainable and innovative products from family forestry.” 

The plant at Värö is one of the largest in Sweden for the production of CLT with the capacity to supply framing materials for just over 4,000 homes per year, a tenfold increase in Södra’s production capacity. By investing in production at Värö, Södra is close to several developing regions for CLT in the Nordic area. Logistically, the product can also be easily shipped to international markets from the port in Varberg. CLT production is completely fossil free as it uses green energy produced at Södra’s pulp mill at Värö. The investment in the new plant has led to the recruitment of 90 new employees in the company’s Building Systems segment, which is responsible for producing CLT. 

Guests of honour at the inauguration included the County Governor and Chair of the municipal council. 150 guests attended, from both the local area and abroad. 

Södra’s goal is to be a leading CLT producer in the Nordic region. CLT has become increasingly prevalent in Swedish buildings within a short period of time. It can be used to construct high-rise buildings, industrial halls and schools in timber, and by using Södra’s CLT the building’s carbon footprint can be reduced by up to 80 percent. Södra’s goal is to be the leading operator in the Nordic region in solid timber construction by increasing the value of the raw material for family forestry in an innovative manner – from seedling to finished product.