Norra Timber in a Class of Its Own – Advanced Technology at Sävar Sawmill Delivers Outstanding Results

Norra Timber’s extensive modernization of the Sävar sawmill in northern Sweden has now been put to the test – and the results place the facility firmly in the global top tier. In the final acceptance test of the new log sorting line, carried out in close cooperation with equipment supplier Nordautomation Oy, Sävar Sawmill exceeded all performance requirements by a wide margin, clearly demonstrating the capacity and stability of the new high-tech installation.

During the eight-hour final test run, the system processed a total of 14,904 logs – well above the required threshold of 14,000. System availability reached an impressive 97.3 percent, surpassing the target level of 95 percent. On average, 31 logs per minute were scanned, analysed and sorted with high precision.

“This is exactly the level of performance we were aiming for. Not only meeting, but clearly exceeding our targets shows the strength and robustness of the new installation,” says Fredrik Samuelsson, Sawmill Manager at Sävar.

The advanced technology – featuring CT scanning relocated to the new log sorting line and complemented by recognition scanning and state-of-the-art log rotation equipment at the infeed – enables each log to be analysed in detail before sawing. While Sävar Sawmill has worked with CT scanning for several years, it is only with this new configuration that the technology can be fully utilised.

“We now have a system that truly makes a difference throughout the entire production flow. Each log receives a unique ‘fingerprint’ on arrival, allowing us to optimise the process from start to finish. This is a major advantage for both our customers and our forest owners,” Samuelsson explains.

With these investments, Sävar Sawmill is now one of the most technologically advanced sawmills in the world. Together with the Kåge sawmill, also situated in northern Sweden – which has undergone a similar upgrade – the facility forms a key part of Norra Timber’s long-term strategy for future-ready production of sawn timber.

The results include reduced waste, higher and more consistent quality, and a production process that is more resource-efficient than ever. The ability to deliver increasingly customised products to customers is also significantly strengthened. From an environmental perspective, the technology ensures smarter and more precise use of the raw material.

“This is not just an investment in capacity – it is an investment in responsibility. We want to utilise every log as wisely as possible, and with this technology we can clearly demonstrate how each tree is used,” says Fredrik Samuelsson.

He adds:

“There is no better equipment in the world. This technology gives us a level of control that fundamentally changes the way we work.”

The final tests confirm that the investment delivers exactly what it was intended to: increased precision, higher throughput and stable, reliable operation.

“This is clear proof that our investments are making us stronger, more accurate and more sustainable in how we use our raw material,” concludes Fredrik Samuelsson.