Three big forestry organisations in Sweden are merging to create a powerful and united voice in the industry.
Swedish Wood, the Swedish Forest Industries Federation and the Swedish Sawmill Federation officially become one organisation on May 1, retaining the name of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation. The groups first discussed a merger proposal last summer.
A special wood engineering division is being headed by Bertil Stener, while the new president is Marie Arwidson.
Mikael Westin, director of Swedish Wood, said the merger would create a powerful voice to lobby the Swedish government and European authorities, together with other countries’ forestry federations. It also enabled the various groups to reduce costs substantially.
“Lobbying is becoming more and more important. This will allow us to speak with one voice, with more joint action for the whole forest and wood industry.”
The federation’s work will include research, the environment, transport, trade and providing industry statistics.
