The company, which was founded in July 1999 specifically to treat timber, carries out treatment for between 15-20 Estonian sawmillers and, with over 100 customers, holds around 40% of the market share, making it the dominant player in the sector.
Hansacom already has two treatment vessels, giving it a treatment capacity of around 4,000m3 a month – but demand has outstripped the ability to supply and the new investment will see one of these treatment plants decommissioned and three new vessels introduced which will up capacity to 15,000m3 a month.
Two of the new vessels – one 22×2.2m diameter and the other 14×2.2m in diameter – will be used for high pressure treatment using Arch Tanalith E preservative and Tanatone colour additive.
The third – which is 7×2.2m – will be used for double vacuum treatments using Arch Vacsol Aqua preservative. It is believed to be the first of its type in Estonia.
All the new vessels are now sited in a purpose-built storage building which boasts 3,200m2 of floor space, according to Arch business manager for the Baltic region, Terry Chiddle.
“It must be one of the biggest buildings for the preservation industry in the Baltics,” he said.
It is planned to have the facility up and running by July or August and Arch is hoping to have Auto-Treater – its new process management system – in place to control the whole treatment operation.
Installation of the low pressure treatment plant is a new area of activity for Hansacom. “Some building commodities such as stud walling and joists are more commonly treated with Vacsol Aqua, our low pressure preservative,” said Mr Chiddle. “Hansacom has recognised the demand for such treatments and is responding to it.”
Among the treated timber products that Hansacom produces are decking, fencing and construction timbers, as well as transmission poles.
But imminent changes are afoot that will affect the future use of CCA (chromated copper arsenate), the traditional preservative used for the treatment of poles. “After September 1 this year, treatment with CCA in Europe will no longer be allowed under the Biocidal Products Directive,” said Mr Chiddle. “This has opened the door for the Estonian Energy Company to examine what is available to them, including alternative materials to timber. Timber companies are working hard to help ensure that timber remains the product of choice for poles, as they can be successfully treated with our new generation Tanalith E preservative.”
Mr Chiddle also commented on general trends within the Baltic timber markets in relation to preservation issues. “Both the quality and effective control of preservative treatments for timber being processed by Baltic companies are now becoming key issues. Responsible industry associations are being formed that are particularly addressing the relevant treatment standards to be adopted, not only for timber to be exported, but also for timber that will be used in internal markets.”
“As can be seen with the Hansacom example, timber companies are making a real commitment to more modern plant with sophisticated control technology that will help ensure both they and their customers get the best treatment results,” said Mr Chiddle.
“It is also interesting to note that forest-based companies in Estonia are actively promoting the benefits of timber to a wider audience of consumers and industry sponsors. Their website www.emtl.ee is an excellent resource tool.”
