Strengthening its independence from raw material availability in order to continue developing the production of high-value products, one of Latvia's leading timber industry companies, Stiga RM, acquired forest properties covering nearly 1,400 hectares during 2023. The company invested just under 13 million euros in the purchase of forest land.
By purposefully investing in the expansion of its holdings, the total area managed by Stiga RM reached almost 10,800 hectares by the end of last year. The majority of these are forest lands where the company carries out the full forest management cycle based on sustainable forestry principles.
“We set the acquisition of forest properties as one of our priorities for last year and we are satisfied with the result – the 1,400 hectares purchased last year can be compared to the total area of Kuldīga, where the Stiga RM plywood mill is located. It is there, by adding our knowledge and the opportunities provided by technology to the timber, that high-quality, globally sought-after products are created. Thanks to modern production and the creation of added value, Stiga RM has the opportunity to offer forest owners the highest possible price for their properties, while committing to managing them responsibly and sustainably,” emphasizes Stiga RM owner Andris Ramoliņš.
Given the market situation, the company will continue its current path this year, paying greater attention to informing forest owners about the opportunities and risks when looking for a buyer for their forest. Stiga RM's observations show that inexperienced forest owners often encounter dishonest attitudes and inappropriate property valuations, losing thousands of euros. To draw the attention of forest owners to these risks and encourage them to think about what will happen to their property after the sale, the company has launched a communication campaign with the slogan “Let your forest be reborn in high-quality materials produced in Latvia!”. Residents will be encouraged to act thoughtfully and, when deciding to sell their forest, to prioritize buyers who manufacture high value-added products.