Raute increased its turnover despite the downturn in the construction industry

Raute: The US administration’s statements on new tariffs have added to market volatility.

The Lahti-based wood technology company Raute increased its turnover and improved its profitability last year. Raute’s turnover grew by more than 40 per cent to just over €204 million. In the previous year, turnover was around €145 million.

The operating result improved from around EUR 2 million to almost EUR 14 million.

Raute received new orders worth more than EUR 120 million, including the expansion of a birch charcoal plant in Latvia. Two thirds of the orders came from Europe and about one fifth from North America.

According to Raute, the US presidential election postponed the company’s customers’ investment decisions, and statements on new customs fees have increased the market instability. Similarly, the Ukrainian war continues to affect market moods in Europe.

According to Raute, the recession of the construction industry has influenced the demand for the coniferous plywood, as demand for deciduous plywood has been more stable and the demand for birch plywood has even strengthened.

For this year, the company anticipates turnover of EUR 190-220 million.

Rautella has production facilities in Nastola, Kajaani, the United States, Canada and China. The company employs about 780 people.

*Follow Päijät-Häme News**in Yle Arena **.*