Stora Enso is hoping to boost the UK timber window market by developing new wood products and joining the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) as an approved supplier.
The company will work closely with UK window manufacturers in the BWF’s Timber Window Accreditation Scheme to develop high quality windows with the aim of taking market share from PVCu.
It is spending a ‘significant’ sum developing durable heartwood products, fingerjointed clear wood products and Thermowood for use in wood windows.
Stora Enso hopes timber windows utilising the new products will start being manufactured in the UK by the year’s end.
The company’s Thermowood is a kiln dried at temperatures of 180-190 degrees C to increase durability and dispense with the need for chemical treatment.
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“The joinery market is looking for new technology and new solutions. ” |
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Erkki Välikangas, managing director of Stora Enso Timber UK, |
Erkki Välikangas, managing director of Stora Enso Timber UK, said: ‘The joinery market is looking for new technology and new solutions. It needs better raw materials, a better starting product in order to produce high quality windows.’
He said joinery products were a key strategic growth area within the company’s product portfolio.
Stora Enso Timber UK has appointed sales manager Jonathan Bakewell to focus on developing the products and services.
BWF director Kevin Cubbage said he was delighted Stora Enso had joined, adding: ‘Timber has a vital role to play in our total commitment to developing and marketing quality timber windows which will enable us to continue winning back market share from PVCu.’
