One of the largest producers of particleboard (PB), laminated PB, oriented strand board (OSB), and countertops in Ukraine, Kronospan, has launched a new OSB production line in the Rivne region. The opening of the new production facility was attended by Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko.
The investment in the new facilities amounted to €200 million, with approximately 60% of the produced products set to be exported to the EU and the USA.
"Kronospan is the largest European manufacturer of wood panels operating in Ukraine and continues to invest in new productions even during the war. This is an important example of timely and effective investment in Ukraine for both European and Ukrainian companies. The new production is also an example of investment in the processing industry, the growth of which is a key priority of economic policy," emphasized Yulia Svyrydenko.
She reminded that over the past 20 years, Kronospan has invested nearly €1 billion in Ukrainian production, with €563 million of that directed to the Rivne plant. The plant currently employs almost 800 production specialists.
Yulia Svyrydenko noted that the government's task is to create conditions that make investing in the development of Ukraine's real sector profitable, as well as producing and exporting value-added products. The "Made in Ukraine" policy aims to support this, including through the development of industrial parks, supporting investment-heavy projects, and offering investment insurance against war risks, among other initiatives.
Currently, Kronospan has initiated the creation of an industrial park. The concept is to form a furniture cluster around the wood panel production plant. The company has already invested €47 million in the preparatory work and infrastructure for the industrial park, including €34 million during the war.