Taking a significant step towards the manufacture of high value-added products, one of Latvia's leading timber industry companies, “Stiga RM”, is launching an ambitious project – the construction of a new birch plywood further-processing plant in Kuldīga. This 6 million euro investment project, of which 2.775 million is earmarked for construction and more than 3 million for modern production equipment, will substantially increase the value of the product created at the company's existing birch plywood plant, as well as provide new jobs in the region.
On 25 April, a capsule containing a message to future generations was ceremonially laid in the foundations of the future plant. The event was attended by Minister for Agriculture Armands Krauze, Chairwoman of Kuldīga Municipal Council Inese Astaševska, and the management team of “Stiga RM”.
“By laying a message to future generations in the foundations of the future plant, we are committing to take the next step in developing high value-added manufacturing in the Kurzeme region, creating new jobs in a rapidly growing company and increasing our contribution to Latvia's economy. We are taking production to a new level – in a plant equipped with modern technology we will be able to make products with 50–70% higher added value, thereby increasing export volumes and expanding cooperation with international partners,” emphasises the owner of “Stiga RM” and Chairman of the Board, Andris Ramoliņš.
The new plant will use the most advanced CNC equipment, ensuring precise milling, drilling and sawing of plywood, as well as the manufacture of new laminated birch plywood products. This will allow “Stiga RM” to expand its product portfolio with innovative, functional and decorative birch plywood items, including laminated products with a wide range of colours and coatings. These products will be in demand in construction, in design and in many other sectors.
“Producing responsibly and intelligently and being one of the leaders in the timber industry is a Latvian success story that must be strengthened further by seeking new development opportunities. The new “Stiga RM” plant is an important step in the sector's development, harnessing innovation, creating high value-added products and driving the growth of the Kurzeme region and of Latvia. Investments in new production facilities not only make a substantial contribution to our country's economy, but also strengthen Latvia's position on the global market as a significant player in the timber industry. I wish “Stiga RM” success and the determination to keep growing, creating jobs and opening up new opportunities in world markets,” stresses Minister for Agriculture Armands Krauze.
The project will result in a 4036 square metre production building, which will begin operating as early as the autumn of 2026, creating 16 new jobs for operators of automated production equipment in Kuldīga municipality.
““Stiga RM” is one of the largest employers in our municipality – an industry leader that inspires. We are proud of the company's purposeful growth and its loyalty to Kuldīga municipality over many years. Today we are laying the foundations not only for a new plant, but also for strengthening the municipality's position in the forestry sector still further. I wish the company continued development, attracting innovation and creating ever more new jobs – may the new plant become a driving force for the whole region and promote sustainable development,” adds Chairwoman of Kuldīga Municipal Council Inese Astaševska.
Construction of the plant is scheduled for completion by the end of this year, with the production process due to start in the autumn of next year.
