The Koskisen Group’s financial performance improved in 2014. The company’s net sales in 2014 exceeded Euro 240 million (Euro 220 million in 2013), representing growth of nearly 10%. Operating profit was Euro 10.2 million (Euro 5.8 million in 2013).

Lumber

Koskisen Group’s FY 2014 net sales increased by 10%, to Euro 240 million

Mar 11, 2015. /Lesprom Network/. The Koskisen Group’s financial performance improved in 2014. The company’s net sales in 2014 exceeded Euro 240 million (Euro 220 million in 2013), representing growth of nearly 10%. Operating profit was Euro 10.2 million (Euro 5.8 million in 2013). The main targets set for operations were met. Capital investments amounted to approximately Euro 5 million, most of which was used to modernise the second chipboard line, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

The deteriorating economic situation in Finland was also strongly reflected in the demand for timber and construction products. The dramatic decline in single-family housing starts, which began in 2011, continued in Finland and weakened the result and profitability of Koskisen Houses. In professional construction, the project being realised in Vantaa, the largest wooden block of flats to be built in Europe, became a major employer. The weak construction activity also negatively affected demand for chipboard and sawn timber.

The turnaround in Europe’s financial development improved the demand for exports. Greater demand for plywood products resulted in volume growth and product range optimisation. The sawn timber markets started the year out positively, but took a downturn as a result of rising oversupply in the markets.

The share of sales to markets outside Europe grew proportionately faster. New target countries and new channels in old export countries helped reinforce the development of the Group’s long-term, customer-focussed sales. Demand for birch products also improved in 2014.

Wood procurement in 2014 was smooth, thanks to well-balanced supply and demand in private forest harvesting operations. The price for timber assortment classes was stable. The Group purchased 1.8 million cubic metres of timber, more than one million of which for its own purposes, and sold more than 600,000 cubic metres of pulpwood and energy wood.

The outlook for 2015 is uncertain. The drastic change in the price of oil will affect operations in many ways. The situation in Ukraine and Russia and the growing unrest in the Middle East are also causing economic uncertainty. In 2015 we will continue to develop our productivity, well-being at work and safety. The objective remains to grow Koskisen’s net sales and profitability.

Koskisen produces Finnish sawn timber, processed timber, planed goods and painted external cladding panels processed from spruce and pine for use in the construction and joinery industries.