STIGA RM launches construction of a new wood processing mill in Ogre – set to become one of the most advanced plywood mills in Northern Europe
Today a ceremonial time capsule laying took place in Ogre Municipality, Tīnūži Parish, “Norupes” marking an important milestone in the development of one of Latvia’s leading wood processing companies STIGA RM. The event celebrated the beginning of construction of a new large-format and custom birch plywood mill, a project that will be implemented in two phases, with total investments reaching 92 million euro by 2029.
The ceremony was attended by Jānis Irbe, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Climate and Energy, Ģirts Krūmiņš, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Andris Krauja, Deputy Chairman of the Ogre Municipality Council, and Andris Ramoliņš, Owner and Chairman of the Board of STIGA RM.
An investment in the growth of Latvia’s wood industry
The new mill is being developed on a site that historically housed a sawmill, transforming it into a modern industrial hub built on a long-term vision for sustainable development. The first phase, to be completed by the end of 2026, will include the construction of a 14,500 m² veneer production facility, creating 50 new jobs and providing an annual output of 50,000 m³ of veneer.
The second phase, to be completed by 2029, will add an 18,500 m² birch plywood production facility, creating an additional 200 jobs and reaching an annual output of 80,000 m³ of birch plywood.
After both phases are complete, STIGA RM Norupe will become one of the most advanced plywood mills in Northern Europe, employing 250 specialists and producing high value-added products for export to more than 60 countries worldwide.
The total investment over the coming years will amount to approximately 92 million euros. Almost 40%, or 34.6 million euros, of the planned investment will be provided through the company’s own funding, while 47.4 million euros will come from OP Corporate Bank loans, and 10 million euros will be granted as a loan from the Development finance institution ALTUM under the programme Large investment loans with capital discount.
A message to the future
The time capsule placed in the foundations contains symbolic items reflecting today’s world and the company’s values – local and national newspapers, samples of birch plywood, a traditional Latvian ornament – wooden jumis, and a commemorative euro coin featuring a sunflower – as a message to future generations symbolising peace, growth, and prosperity.
“By laying this capsule in the foundation of our new mill, we are symbolically laying the foundation for the next stage of our company’s development. We believe in the future of high value-added products made in Latvia – products that strengthen both our local economy and Latvia’s reputation in international markets. Through this project, we continue transforming timber from our forests into modern, sustainable production and create an environment where both people and ideas can grow,” said Andris Ramoliņš, Owner and Chairman of the board of STIGA RM.
“A high value-added product means establishing a production chain here in Latvia. It means new jobs, new homes, new lives. It means putting down roots in our country – something we strongly need in the uncertain reality we have unfortunately been living in for several years. Today, Stiga RM demonstrates that we can build companies that not only produce competitive products but also strengthen the development of new, non-standard types of production in our national economy,” says Jānis Irbe, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Climate and Energy.
Project facts
- Total investment: 92 million euro;
- Total area: 35,500 m²;
- Planned employment: 250 people;
- Annual production capacity: 80,000 m³ of birch plywood per year;
- Operations start: 2029.