FINLAND - Raute Corporation has signed a contract worth EUR 44.6 million with the french Thebault Group for the technology delivery of a new greenfield LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) production plant.

Following the terms of the contract, the project has become effective by the signing of a delivery contract.

Eventually, the plant will produce 100,000 m3 of LVL entirely ''Made in France'', with a first phase at 70,000 m3. The start-up of the site is scheduled for 2025 and will allow the creation of 85 direct jobs.

This new plant, which will be in full operation in 2026, is part of Thebault’s development to extend its offering particularly to the construction industry. Driven by a fast-growing market, this French production of engineered wood products will expand the offer of bio-sourced materials contributing to the decarbonization of the building sector.

The Thebault Group, a family-owned industrial company, is the leading French plywood manufacturer with annual production of 125 000 m³ making almost 50% of the total domestic plywood production and ranks among the top five European producers. 70% of the produced plywood is exported, mainly in Europe but also in the rest of the world.  The group employs 400 people and generated a turnover of €100 million (2022).

Raute is a global leader in comprehensive technology solutions for the production of plywood, veneer and LVL.