The UK market for LVL is set to get more competitive, with Steico Ltd’s announcement that it has agreed exclusive pan-European distribution rights with new Russian LVL producer Modern Lumber Technologies LLC.
The announcement follows hot on the heels of American lumber giant Louisiana-Pacific’s decision to offer its SolidStart LVL and LSL products in the UK.
Modern Lumber Technologies’ LVL factory at Torzhok, 220km north-west of Moscow, is expected to produce its first certified boards by early November and begin commercial production by the end of 2008. An annual start-up capacity of 140,000m³ is being planned, but the plant’s maximum capacity is 250,000m³.
Steico Ltd said its Steicojoist and Steicowall I-joist products would now combine with the new Steicoultralam LVL for primary beams, headers and lintels, as load transferring rim beams and also as top and bottom plates for wall construction.
Standards beam sections will be offered with complementary structural panel products for heavy timber construction. An industrial grade and custom made products will also be available.
The products, expected to arrive before the end of 2008, will be stocked at Rochester.
