Construction commences on Södra’s new facility – will become largest producer of kraft lignin in the world

Stora Enso has decided to invest approximately EUR 79 million in a new production line for cross laminated timber (CLT) at its Ždírec sawmill in the Czech Republic. The investment will further enhance Stora Enso’s position as a global provider of high-quality engineered wooden elements and as a market leader in CLT. Production is scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2022. The estimated annual production capacity will be approximately 120 000 m³ after ramp-up. The investment is expected to generate annual sales of approximately EUR 70 million when run at full capacity and to meet the Wood Products division’s profitability target of 20% operational return on operating capital (ROOC).

Please be advised that Catalyst Paper will be implementing a two-step price increase on its Machine Finished papers sold in the United States. For shipments on or after February 1, 2021, the US transaction price for the following grades from Catalyst Paper will be increasing by $25.00/Metric Tonne. The second step increase of $25.00/Metric Tonne will be applied to shipments on or after March 1, 2021. This includes all basis weights, finishes and brightnesses of Electrabrite, Electrabrite Book and Electrastar.

Comments by the CEO: The third quarter was another solid quarter for Billerud. As we had planned, our net sales grew, and profitability improved in both regions. The positive profitability trend we have seen from the beginning of the year continued. The Group’s EBITDA margin ended at 14%, our strongest result since Q4 2022. Production stability was solid in the quarter and our scheduled maintenance stops in three mills went according to plan. Yet again, region North America delivered an excellent financial performance with double digit sales growth and 18% EBITDA margin. All our categories in the US contributed to the strong result. In Region Europe, our fiber cost continued to increase, while most other input costs declined. Also for this quarter, we were successfully able to offset the cost inflation by proactive pricing and portfolio management for Europe. This is key and it will continue to be one of our top priorities going forward. Region Europe reached an EBITDA margin of 16%, the highest profitability in two years. Our efficiency enhancement program continues to deliver structural savings. Disciplined work to eliminate price point outliers in the customer base as well as to increase our field-purchased pulpwood in the vicinity of our Swedish mills produces positive effects.