Finnish Sawmill Expands Drying Capacity With Valutec Kilns

Finnish sawmill company JPJ-Wood Oy is investing in two new forklift-loaded batch kilns from Valutec as part of its continued production development. The investment supports the mill’s plans to increase sawn timber production. The two new kilns will be equipped with pressure frames and Valutec’s Valmatics 4.0 control system, bringing the new capacity into the same control environment as JPJ-Wood’s existing kilns.

“As our sawmill production continues to grow, drying has become a critical bottleneck in our operations. This investment will increase our drying capacity by approximately 20,000 cubic metres per year and support our goal of increasing annual sawn timber production to 200,000 cubic metres,” says Markus Luodelahti, Managing Director, JPJ-Wood Oy.

For JPJ-Wood, the investment is not only about increasing capacity. A common control platform will also strengthen production control and create opportunities to further improve drying quality and energy efficiency.

 Valutec’s forklift-loaded batch kilns combine production flexibility with precise climate control and consistent drying quality. The pressure frames help reduce deformation during drying, supporting high and consistent end-product quality.

Valmatics 4.0 provides advanced tools for controlling, monitoring and optimizing the drying process. By integrating the new kilns into the same control platform, JPJ-Wood gains a clear overview of its drying operations and improved possibilities for production planning and process optimization. 

Commissioning during the first half of 2027. Equipment deliveries will begin towards the end of 2026, with installation, commissioning and start-up scheduled for the first half of 2027.