HELSINKI, Finland (News release) -- Stora Enso invests EUR 9 million in an automated CLT (cross-laminated timber) coating line at the Ybbs sawmill in Austria. The investment will further strengthen Stora Enso's position as a leading global provider of engineered wood products for low carbon, sustainable buildings.

In the construction industry, there is labor shortage and a pressure to shorten the construction time on-site. The investment enables industrially pre-applied CLT coatings on the CLT walls and floors produced at Stora Enso's Ybbs site. The automated coating solution results in shorter construction times and higher wood protection.

"With this new automation line, we can apply high-quality water-based coating to approximately 500,000m² of CLT walls and floors per year - making us the world leader in this segment. Our customers will benefit from improved protection of CLT against moisture, sunlight, insects and fire, as well as nicely coloured visual surfaces," says Lars Völkel, EVP Wood Products division.

Stora Enso aims to lead the development of the growing mass timber construction market. The company has a strong position in traditional wood products and develops growth through increased capacity, new building concepts, digital services, and value-added features like coatings.

The automated CLT coating line will be built at the Ybbs sawmill and is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of 2023. The Ybbs sawmill is well located to serve all markets in Central Europe.

As a sustainably sourced and produced wooden material, Stora Enso's CLT can help meet carbon offset requirements and lower the environmental footprint of construction as well as the building's entire life cycle.