1260779104.jpg

Kronospan is the world's largest producer of wood-based panels. Pictured: Kronospan's OSB-plant in Jihlava/CZ © Holtec

Kronospan builds OSB plant in Poland

Article by Robert Spannlang, edited for Timber-online | 05.03.2014 - 10:14

€ 101 million-investment strengthens foothold in East Europe

1260779104.jpg

Kronospan is the world's largest producer of wood-based panels. Pictured: Kronospan's OSB-plant in Jihlava/CZ © Holtec

Austrian wood-based panels manufacturer Kronospan is breaking the grounds to build an OSB plant in Poland, adding another to the seven that already exist in the country. Plans are to also set up an R&D center to serve its operations in a number of East European markets. The operation located in the Katowicka special economic zone is expected to create at least 200 jobs and launch operation in 2015, wbpionline.com reports. 29% of the PLN 432 million (€ 101 million) investment will be financed by the EU’s Regional Development Fund.

After Kronospan has signed the deal with the Polish Ministry of Economy in August 2013, the company now takes advantage of the fresh economic breeze in Poland with a GDP expected to increase to a robust 3.5% by 2018. What is more, the Polish government has decided last summer to extend the tax exemption on revenues generated in the Katowicka special economic zone until 2026.

Related articles

germany

Growing chipboard exports

Last year, Germany exported 2.4 million m³ of chipboards and OSB, recording a 5% increase compared to 2023 when exports totaled 2.2 million m³. Read more ...

germany

Pallets: Decreasing imports, growing exports

In 2024, Germany imported fewer pallets than in 2023. In exports, on the other hand, an upward trend can be observed. Germany’s main trading partners did not change last year. Read more ...

italy

Slight increase in laminated timber imports

In the first eleven months of 2024, Italy imported 591,000 m³ of glulam and CLT, recording a 2% increase compared to the same period of 2023. Read more ...

austria

Sawdust down, wood chips with a slight recovery

Towards the end of 2024, the Austrian price index for wood chips increased, whereas that of sawdust decreased month on month. Compared to December 2023, a clear downward trend can be observed with... Read more ...