16.07.2025
Pfeifer opens new sawmill in Kajaani
The Pfeifer Group has now completed construction of the new sawmill for its subsidiary Pölkky Oy in Kajaani and put it successfully into operation, thus more than doubling annual production capacity from 200,000 m³ to 450,000 m³ of sawn timber. The new mill is one of the most efficient and cutting-edge in the Nordic countries and marks a key step in the Group’s growth strategy.
No sooner had the Pfeifer Group acquired the Finnish timber processor Pölkky Oy in January 2023 than it became clear that its Kajaani site would need modernising from top to bottom. The aim was to expand production capacity significantly while also consolidating the Group’s market position in Europe. Michael Pfeifer, CEO of Pfeifer Holding says:
A shining example of modern timber construction
All manner of different products for timber construction were used to build the hall for the new mill. Pölkky itself supplied glued laminated timber (glulam) in small cross-sections as well as various solid-timber parts, while large custom components such as props and beams were ordered in from Versowood. A total of 970 m³ of Pfeifer cross-laminated timber (CLT) was also installed. There were a number of significant logistical challenges to overcome. For example, the facade elements – around 2,200 m² in size – were made in the mill in Schlitz in the German state of Hesse, transported to EcoTimber to be varnished and then sent on to Kajaani. The timber structure was assembled by the carpenters from MHB. Despite the short lead time, everyone involved worked together without a hitch.
Made completely from wood, the building impresses in terms of both environmental sustainability and cost-efficiency, while the whole site was planned in such a way that pedestrians and vehicles alike could get around safely following separate routes.
High-quality wood, strong performance
At its Kajaani site, Pölkky processes Nordic pine and spruce, which is famous for its superb look and high quality. The new, highly automated saw line is now achieving an annual capacity of 450,000 m³ of sawn timber, with a team of around 100 people on hand to ensure efficient operation. The investment is part of the joint growth strategy being pursued by Pfeifer and Pölkky Oy, which is focusing on higher production capacity, a stronger international presence and greater added value.
Aerial drone image of Kajaani
About the Pfeifer Group
Pfeifer Holding GmbH was founded in Austria in 1948 and is now in the hands of the third generation of its owner family. Headquartered in the Austrian town of Imst in Tyrol, it employees 2,600 people at 13 sites in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic and Finland. Around 5.4 million solid cubic metres of timber is cut every year in the Group’s fully integrated sawmills. This is then processed along the entire value chain into sawn and planed timber, concrete formwork panels, formwork beams, cross laminated timber, glue-laminated timber (glulam), glued solid wood panels, pallet blocks, briquettes, pellets and green electricity.