Finland timber sector bounces back

The Finnish forest industry recorded an increase in production towards the end of 2009 after bottoming out earlier in the year, the Finnish Forest Industries Federation has announced.

Full-year value was €15bn, with €4bn generated by wood products and the remainder by pulp and paper. Total value in the final quarter was €4bn.

A spokesman said the industry had modernised its structures and increased operational efficiencies to develop opportunities during the global recession. “As markets recover the steady availability of domestic timber at a competitive price will become an increasingly important issue.”