Stiga RM invests 6 million euro in new plywood mill in Kuldīga

Taking a significant step towards high added value production, Stiga RM, one of Latvia’s leading companies in the wood industry, is launching an ambitious project – the construction of a new birch plywood further processing mill in Kuldīga. The 6 million euro investment project, of which 2.775 million euro will go towards construction and more than 3 million euro towards modern production equipment, will significantly increase the value of the product produced at the company's existing birch plywood plant, as well as provide new jobs in the region. 

Last Friday, 25 April, a time capsule with a message for the next generations was officially embedded in the foundations of the new mill.The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Armands Krauze, the Chairwoman of the Kuldīga Regional Council, Inese Astaševska, as well as the Stiga RM management team.

“By embedding the message of the next generations, we commit ourselves to take the next crutial step in the development of high added value manufacturing in the Kurzeme region, creating new jobs in a fast-growing company and increasing our contribution to Latvian economy. We are taking production to a new level. In our technologically advanced factory we will be able to produce products with 50-70% higher added value, thus increasing export volumes and expanding cooperation with international partners,” says Andris Ramoliņš, owner and Chairman of the Board of Stiga RM. 

The new mill will be equipped with advanced CNC production equipment, which will ensure precise milling, drilling and sawing of plywood at the same time, as well as will enable the production of new laminated birch plywood products. This will allow Stiga RM to expand its product portfolio with innovative, functional and decorative birch plywood products, including laminated products with a wide range of colours and coatings. These products will be in high demand in construction, design and many other sectors.

“Responsible and wise production as well as being one of the leaders in the timber industry is Latvia's success story, which needs to be strengthened as we look for new development opportunities. The new Stiga RM mill is an important step in the development of the timber industry, using innovation, creating high added value products and boosting the growth of Kurzeme region and Latvia. Investments in new production facilities not only make a significant contribution to our country's economy, but also strengthen Latvia in the global market as a major player in the timber industry. I wish Stiga RM success and determination to continue to grow, create new jobs and explore new opportunities in global markets,” emphasised Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze.

As a result of the project, a 4036 square metre production facility will be constructed. The new facility will begin production in autumn 2026, creating 16 new workplaces for automated production equipment operators in the Kuldīga region. 

“Stiga RM is one of the largest employers in our region – leader in the timber industry that inspires. We are proud of the company's purposeful growth and trust in Kuldīga region over the years. Today we are not only laying the foundations for a new mill, but also strengthening the region's position in the timber industry. I wish continued development of the company, attracting innovations and creating new jobs – may the new mill become a driving force for the whole region and contribute to sustainable development,” said Inese Astaševska, the Chairwoman of the Kuldīga Municipality Council.

Construction work is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, with production starting in autumn next year.

About Stiga RM:

Stiga RM is a family company from Tukums, founded in 1994 with the goal of protecting Latvia’s prosperity through responsible forest management. On more than 11,000 hectares of land, most of which is comprised of woodlands, the company carries out the full cycle of forest management based on the sustainable principles of forest management. Stiga RM’s factory in Kuldīga produces birch plywood from high-quality Latvian birch wood. The world’s most advanced production facility of Wood Wool Cement Board (WWCB) is currently under construction in Tukums. The company also offers roundwood transportation services, providing the largest fleet of log trucks in the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.