The Swedish sawmiller posted annual operating losses of SKr217m (2012: SKr469m loss), an improvement due mainly to increased volumes, a better sawing yield and reduced costs. Output in 2013 totalled 1.62 million m3 (2012: 1.45 million m3).
“This year we are expecting to achieve total production of approximately 1.8-1.9 million m3,” said Lars Idermark, Södra CEO.
“The new sawmill in Väro has been operating at full capacity since last autumn. Three-shift production is now placing us in a position from which to achieve profitability.
“We are aiming to produce 500,000m3 of sawn timber in 2014 and 600,000m3 in 2015.” Group-wide, Södra was hit by SKr817m restructuring costs associated by the closure of the pulp mill in Tofte.
This led to a full-year operating loss of SKr417m (2012: SKr929m loss). Excluding the restructuring costs, Södra recorded operating profits of SKr400m (2012: SKr929m loss).
