Europe's number one in the making
With an estimated annual output of just under 400,000 m³, this will render the Mayr-Melnhof Holz group the largest glulam manufacturer in Europe. "The glulam division within the Mayr-Melnhof group and the Hüttemann group's portfolio perfectly complement each other both with regards to the range of products as well as geographically", Mayr-Melnhof chairman Richard Stralz is quoted in a press release.
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Is Wismar the better Magdeburg?
While last year's efforts in the bidding procedure for Nordlam, Magdeburg/DE, were in vain, this time around Mayr-Melnhof could realize the acquisition. And it's almost safe to say: It was worth the wait. Hüttemann mastermind Willi Hanfland managed the technology in Wismar in such a way that production always runs on the latest technology. Lacking order picking possibilities were compensated with the maximum possible production of one dimension. Especially costly smaller dimensions are available from the warehouse on short notice. Stock levels of about 15,000 m³ and more were put up with in favor of the ability to supply.
The core of the system in Wismar was taken into operation at the end of October 2000 and has already output 1.9 million m³ (see diagram). The initially announced output rate of 150,000 m³/yr has never been realized according to Timber-Online research. The average of all annual production volumes between 2000 and 2017 is 106,000 m³/yr.
While Hasslacher is able to leverage optimization potentials in Magdeburg, this effect does not apply to Wismar: The production is already one of the best ones in Germany - even though not all plant sections (cold presses) meet the latest technology standards.
With Olsberg/DE and Reuthe/AT, two strong commercial construction industries will be in one hand.
Premium goods with freight costs advantages
Comparing Nordlam with Hüttemann again, Wismar has Ilic Nordic Timber as a neighbor - in other words a sawmill with a cutting volume of 1.9 million sm³/yr (2017). The advantage regarding transportation costs is striking, especially since the sawmill bears "Nordic" in its name: The better part of the logged wood is purchased north of Wismar.
In the course of its history, Hüttemann obtained an estimated amount of 60 up to 90% of its lumber from their neighbor. Also new owner Mayr-Melnhof would most probably make use of this proximity - especially since their own sawmill in Efimovskij currently offers great sales alternatives for glulam lamellas for the German market.
No bargain
"The Mary-Melnhof group is the right partner for our company's succession plan. The enterprise [...] will keep strategically developing the Hüttemann group for the benefit of both customers and employees", Regina Hüttemann and Mathias Herbst-Hüttemann explain their decision for this successorship. As virtually all industry insiders assume, the Hüttemann family was under no pressure to sell. However: The company value seems to have rarely been as high. Estimations concerning the purchase price revolve around €65 million (±10 mio.).
In 2017, the Mayr-Melnhof Holz group generated a turnover of about €550 million/yr in the divisions lumber and further processing. The Hüttemann group employs some 250 workers. The two plants in Olsberg and Wismar yielded a turnover of €65 mio. in 2017.
