Metsä Wood is responding to the growing demand for resource-efficient wood-based materials by building a new Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski, Finland. The project is reaching an important milestone on schedule: the first test runs will begin in October, and production is scheduled to start at the end of 2026. With this major investment and an additional research and development laboratory, Metsä Wood is strengthening its innovative strength and sending a clear signal for the future of European timber construction.
The new Kerto LVL mill in Äänekoski 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 project is thus consistently continuing its ambitious schedule. "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.
Strong signal for the European construction industry
Especially in a challenging market environment, Metsä Wood is sending a clear signal with this project. The past few years have been marked by a marked reluctance in the European construction industry, especially in residential construction. This downturn has also influenced timber construction. Nevertheless, the market outlook for Kerto LVL and other advanced wood-based materials remains positive in the long term. "Although the general uncertainty continues to inhibit investment, the popularity of timber construction is growing worldwide. In addition, stricter European regulations that favour timber construction are increasing demand," says Ulla Kivistö, VP, Sales for Kerto LVL in Central Europe. She adds: "In recent months, there have been signs that the construction industry in Europe is slowly starting to recover."
Innovation location with research and development laboratory
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.
Kerto LVL – high-performance material for the future of construction
Kerto LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) is an innovative wood product that consists of three millimeter thin veneer layers glued together. It impresses with a combination of high strength, dimensional stability and versatility in use – from load-bearing structures in building construction to industrial applications. 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.
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