Stora Enso Keeps Central European Operations, Plans Streamlining
News related to:Stora Enso · 1 min read
HELSINKI, Nov. 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Stora Enso, a global leader in renewable materials, has concluded a strategic review of its Central European sawmills and building solutions operations, announced in November 2025. The review, which covered seven sawmills and three cross-laminated timber (CLT) mills across Austria, Czechia, Poland, and Lithuania, identified clear potential to improve profitability. As a result, the company has decided to retain the business unit and initiate plans to streamline operations, which could affect up to 250 employees.
According to Stora Enso’s President and CEO, Hans Sohlström, the company is confident that the business can be improved and will remain a part of Stora Enso.
As part of the profitability improvement actions, Stora Enso plans to close one production line at the Brand sawmill in Austria by the end of Q1 2027. The small log line at the Brand mill, which would require significant investments, is set to be closed. Wood procurement and the other production line will continue operations as usual, and customers of the small log line will be served by other mills.
The strategic review was a response to slow market growth and rising costs. The company is committed to serving its global customers with premium building solutions and sawn goods, while adjusting the size of its organization to meet changing business needs and current market conditions.
Stora Enso, with approximately 19,000 employees and sales of EUR 9.3 billion in 2025, is focused on replacing non-renewable materials with renewable solutions. The company’s operations in Central Europe are part of its broader strategy to enhance competitiveness and improve profitability in a challenging market environment.
The planned changes are a response to the ongoing challenges in the industry and are part of Stora Enso’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its business unit. No decisions regarding the planned closure or employee impact will be made until consultations with relevant stakeholders according to local rules and regulations have been concluded.