Vaxjo, Sweden 03 April 2019 -- Demand is steadily increasing for engineered products such as primed cladding. The success reflects clear benefits for users - in time, money and practical terms. Södra is therefore investing in its second coating facility for exterior cladding at the sawmill in Kisa. The new coating unit will begin operating in the first quarter of 2020.

"We are seeing a changing market where builders want more engineered products, which simplifies work and saves time. To meet demand, we are intensifying our focus on primed cladding and strengthening our offering for coated cladding," said Jörgen Lindquist, President of the Södra Wood business area.

Södra has noted annual growth of 20 percent for pre-coated products. Demand is healthy as the product in itself simplifies the building process.

"Factory pre-coating is a quality guarantee, as it is coated under optimum conditions indoors. The coating also means you are independent of the seasons and the cladding can be fitted all-year round, which offers great flexibility in the building process. The increased demand also reflects greater awareness of long-term sustainability and, aesthetically speaking, wood is an attractive material," said Jörgen Lindquist.

The new coating unit will handle both primed and undercoated cladding.

"Using new technology, we can offer coated cladding in 12 different colours and various profiles. The coating unit will be certified in accordance with certified primed cladding (CMP), which is the quality assurance system from the trade organisation Swedish Wood. Our first coating facility is located in Långasjö and Kisa was chosen because of its ideal logistical location for customers in Östergötland and Mälardalen."

Södra wants to make it easy for customers and end-consumers and this is one step in this process.

"We are continuing to pursue development to meet customer demands for simple, sustainable and cost-efficient products," said Jörgen Lindquist.