Rettnemerier

Rettenmeier Baltic Timber, part of the German wood processing group Rettenmeier, has completed one of the largest industrial modernization projects in Latvia’s recent history, marking a new chapter for the country’s woodworking sector and strengthening its competitiveness across European markets.

In 2025, the fully modernized Rettenmeier Baltic Timber production plant in Inčukalns began operations following a comprehensive modernization project valued at more thanEUR 160 million, implemented from 2019 through 2025. This investment has transformed the facility into one of the most advanced and powerful woodworking centres in both the Baltics and Europe, significantly enhancing Latvia’s industrial landscape.

Rettenmeier has pursued sustainability and resource efficiency as strategic priorities throughout the modernization. The production cycle ensures the full utilisatuin of wood resources — from bark and chips to by-products — and biomass technology captures heat and reuses it in facility operations. These solutions not only reduce the company’s environmental footprint, but also strengthen its competitive edge in a market increasingly responsive to sustainable production standards.

CEO Rolands Rimicāns explains that while the woodworking industry has faced challenging market conditions in recent years — including reduced construction activity and pricing pressures — the investment in modernization has been vital to productivity, material efficiency, and long-term resilience.

Despite the integration of advanced automation, Rettenmeier has preserved its workforce by investing in training and professional development, enabling employees to adapt to new technologies and expand their specialisations. The improvements have also helped create a safer, more ergonomic work environment and reinforce the company’s appeal as a local employer.

Looking ahead, Rettenmeier plans to pursue additional development projects to further enhance energy efficiency and production processes, maintaining its momentum as the woodworking sector evolves.

Rettenmeier Baltic Timber’s modernization project showcases Latvia`s appeal for capital-intensive, technology driven investments in traditional sectors such as wood processing. By modernising infrastructure and embedding sustainability and digitalisation into production, the company demonstrates how strategic investments can elevate competitiveness and drive sectoral growth on both regional and international stages.