Stiga RM Pours €6 Million into New Plywood Manufacturing Facility in Kuldīga
Let's Get Down to Business:
The wood industry behemoth, Stiga RM, based in Latvia, is all set to revolutionize its game with an ambitious plan – constructing a state-of-the-art birch plywood processing mill in Kuldīga. This multi-million-euro investment project, chunked out with around 2.775 million euros earmarked for construction and over 3 million euros for cutting-edge production equipment, promises to skyrocket the value of the products churned out at their existing birch plywood plant. This venture will also create a fresh wave of employment opportunities in the region.
Last Friday, 25 April, marked a significant moment as a time capsule inscribed with messages for future generations was officially buried in the mill's foundation. The ceremonious event was graced by the Minister of Agriculture, Armands Krauze, the Chairwoman of the Kuldīga Regional Council, Inese Astaševska, and the Stiga RM management team.
"By casting our message to the generations to come, we vow to take the next critical stride in the development of high added value manufacturing in the Kurzeme region. This move will generate new jobs in a rapidly expanding company and amplify our contribution to Latvia's economy, pushing our production to new heights. In our tech-savvy factory, we'll be able to produce products with 50-70% higher added value, thereby increasing export volumes and forging stronger partnerships internationally," says Andris Ramoliņš, owner and Chairman of the Board of Stiga RM.
The new mill will be equipped with advanced CNC production equipment, enabling precise milling, drilling, and sawing of plywood simultaneously. This technology will pave the way for the production of new laminated birch plywood products, extending Stiga RM's product range with innovative, functional, and decorative birch plywood goods, including laminated items featuring a wide array of colors and coatings. These products are expected to be in high demand in various sectors, such as construction, design, and more.
"Sustainable and thoughtful production, as well as being a leading force in the timber industry, is Latvia's success story. This narrative needs to be strengthened as we explore new growth opportunities. The new Stiga RM mill is a crucial step forward in the development of the timber industry, using innovation, producing high added value products, and fueling the growth of the Kurzeme region and Latvia. Investments in new production facilities aren't just boons to our country's economy, but they also boost Latvia's standing on the global stage as a major player in the timber industry. I wish Stiga RM continued success and the resolve to keep growing, creating new jobs, and venturing into new markets worldwide," stressed Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze.
Once completed, a 4036 square metre production facility will emerge from this project. The new facility, scheduled to commence production in autumn 2026, will create 16 new jobs for automated production equipment operators in the Kuldīga region.
"Stiga RM is a prominent employer in our region, a timber industry titan that inspires. We are thrilled about the company's persistent growth and faith in our region over the years. Today we aren't just laying the foundations for a new mill, but we are also cementing our region's position in the timber industry. I wish the continued evolution of the company, the attraction of innovations, and the creation of new jobs – may the new mill act as a catalyst for growth and contribute to sustainable development for our region," said Inese Astaševska, the Chairwoman of the Kuldīga Municipality Council.
Construction work on this modern marvel is due to wrap up by the end of this year, with production slated to kick off in autumn 2026.
A Few Things You Should Know About Stiga RM:
Stiga RM is a family-owned company based in Tukums, founded in 1994 with the mission of preserving Latvia's prosperity through responsible forest management. Spanning more than 11,000 hectares, mostly forested land, the company specializes in the full spectrum of forest management based on the sustainable principles of forest stewardship. Stiga RM's plant in Kuldīga produces birch plywood from premium Latvian birch wood. The company is also Constructing the world's most advanced Wood Wool Cement Board (WWCB) facility in Tukums. Additionally, Stiga RM offers roundwood transportation services, boasting the largest fleet of log trucks across the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
- Andris Ramolinš, owner and Chairman of Stiga RM, commits to increasing the added value of their products with the construction of a new birch plywood processing mill in Kuldīga, Latvia.
- Minister Armands Krauze emphasizes the significance of investment in new facilities, such as the Stiga RM mill, for strengthening Latvia's success story in the timber industry and boosting the country's economy.
- Inese Astaševska, Chairwoman of the Kuldīga Regional Council, expresses excitement about the growth of Stiga RM and believes the new mill will solidify the region's position in the timber industry.
- The new Stiga RM mill, spanning 4036 square metres and scheduled to open in autumn 2026, will create 16 new jobs for automated production equipment operators in the Kuldīga region.
- Stiga RM, a family-owned company and timber industry titan based in Tukums, also plans to construct the world's most advanced Wood Wool Cement Board (WWCB) facility in Tukums, in addition to their existing birch plywood plant and roundwood transportation services across the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
