The new edge-machining line at UPM Plywood in Pellos will meet the growing demand for edge-machined WISA plywood for the construction industry. The investment will ensure high product quality and manufacturing capacity well into the future.
The first edge-machined WISA spruce plywood was produced on the new line in Pellos in the autumn. The state-of-the-art, highly automated line will increase the production capacity of edge-machined plywood sheets at Europe's largest plywood factory.
"The growth in construction has increased the demand for WISA plywood and the availability of the most advanced products, including edge-machined plywood, will become increasingly important for customers in the future," says Riku Härkönen, Product Manager at UPM Plywood.
"The UPM Pellos's edge-machining line will ensure that we can meet our customers' needs now and in the future. The new edge machining-line will ensure high quality edge machining of WISA plywood for a long time to come," says Härkönen.
The line, which complies with the latest standards, will make the edge-machining manufacturing process more efficient, streamlined and easier.
WISA edge-machined plywood facilitates construction and improves structural strength
Climate-friendly timber construction is growing in popularity. Thanks to their lightness and strength, responsibly produced WISA spruce plywood is particularly suitable for structural and load-bearing applications such as floors, walls and roofs.
Both uncoated and coated WISA spruce products are available in straight edge and with tongue and groove on two or four sides of the panel, depending on the application. For example, the versatile WISA spruce for construction (WISA Sprucefloor), the fire-resistant WISA SpruceFR and the water-repellent WISA SpruceWR are all available with machined edged options.
WISA Kate Plus, developed as the load-bearing substructure of a waterproof roof, is scored on its long side, which forms a rigid, flat substructure without the need for heavy support. For wall constructions, the edge machining on the long side facilitates the installation of the panels horizontally on top of each other.
"The edge machining makes it easier and quicker to install the panels. They also help to stiffen the structure, making the end result more rigid than if it were made with the same material without edge machining," says Härkönen.
The new line also provides excellent support for the production of so-called half-size WISA plywood, for example, edge-machined plywood with a width of around 600 mm.
"Demand for these panels has increased as customers appreciate the easier handling that the smaller size offers", Härkönen says.
Text: Janne Suokas