Metsä Wood's new Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski, Finland, is about to reach a crucial milestone: test runs on the first production line will begin in October. At the same time, the installation work for the second production line will begin.
"The goal is to start extensive trial operations towards the end of the winter so that the mill can start operations as planned at the end of 2026," explains Project Director Eero Lampola.
Particular attention is paid to occupational safety: despite the parallel work of construction and assembly teams, the number of accidents has remained exceptionally low thanks to a consistent focus on occupational safety. Comprehensive preventive measures were taken to identify potential risks at an early stage and eliminate them immediately.
The main markets for Kerto LVL are in Europe, but North America and Australia are also supplied. Despite the economic situation in Europe, Metsä Wood's LVL mills are running around the clock. "The market is growing, and the additional capacity in Äänekoski is needed," says Kivistö. Consequently, a new research and development laboratory for veneer-based wood products is being built on the site parallel to the mill. Metsä Wood is thus making targeted investments in the further development of Kerto LVL and other innovative wood-based materials.
With an investment of around 300 million euros, the new plant, which is being built on a total area of 50,000 square metres and with a production area of 45,000 square metres, is one of Metsä Wood's largest single investments. After completion, around 150 jobs will be created. The annual production capacity is planned at 160,000 cubic meters of different Kerto LVL products.
