Raute technology destined for new Metsä Kerto LVL mill
15 November 2023Metsä Group and wood products industry technology supplier Raute have signed an agreement for the technology delivery of the new Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski, Finland.
Raute's technology includes all the main production processes of the mill, from veneer peeling to LVL billet pressing. The production lines will use Raute's latest technology in automation and data collection.
"By investing in the best available technology in the industry, we will significantly improve the efficiency of Kerto LVL production and ensure a safe and versatile working environment for our employees,” said Jaakko Anttila, executive vice-president, Metsä Wood. “Our long-term co-operation with Raute and the joint development of the mill's technological solutions provide excellent conditions for achieving these goals.”
"We will combine our latest innovations and advanced solutions in the delivery,” added Mika Saariaho, chief executive officer, Raute. “A sustainable partnership with Metsä Group creates a solid basis for successful co-operation.”
Metsä Group's Kerto LVL mill project in Äänekoski is progressing according to plan, and construction work is currently under way. The employment impact of the construction phase of the project is estimated to be around 1,000 person-years. When completed, the mill will employ around 150 people directly and 200 people in its value chain. The mill will have an annual production capacity of about 160,000m3 of Kerto LVL and is expected to start production in the second half of 2026.
